Ecuador has recently freed a survivor of a U.S. military strike on a submarine believed to be smuggling drugs in the Caribbean. The U.S. captured two individuals during the operation: an Ecuadorian and a Colombian. President Trump stated that they would be sent back to their home countries for prosecution.
However, Ecuador’s Attorney General declared that the Ecuadorian survivor couldn’t be detained because no crime was reported. The U.S. has escalated its military actions against suspected drug vessels in the region, claiming these vessels are involved in narcotics trafficking.
The survivors, identified as Andrés Fernando Tufiño and Colombian Jeison Obando Pérez, are reported to be the first people to survive such strikes. Tragically, two others aboard the submarine were killed. Since September, the U.S. has conducted multiple strikes, reportedly resulting in over 32 casualties.
Many experts argue that these attacks might violate international law, a concern echoed by various human rights advocates. Despite this, the Trump administration defends the operations, asserting that they target “narco-terrorists.”
Interestingly, drug trafficking experts point out that the majority of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Mexico, not from the Caribbean. This raises questions about the focus of these military actions, especially given the scale of deployment involving around 10,000 U.S. troops and multiple ships and aircraft.
Reports suggest that the vessels targeted often leave from Venezuela, which Trump has accused of harboring drug-traffickers. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied these claims, arguing that the U.S. motives are politically motivated.
User reactions have been mixed. Some support the military actions against drug trafficking, while others are raising concerns about potential civilian casualties and the legality of the strikes. Colombians have also expressed anger over accusations made against their country’s leadership concerning drug-related incidents.
A recent survey showed that a significant portion of the public is worried about the abuse of military force in foreign operations. As this situation unfolds, the debate over legality and human rights continues to intensify.
For further information about international drug trafficking and U.S. military operations, check reports from reputable organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
