In a significant interpretation of international law, former International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo has criticized recent United States military actions as potential crimes against humanity. Commenting on US airstrikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats, Ocampo expressed concerns that these attacks represent a systematic assault on civilians during peacetime. He emphasized that these individuals, involved in drug smuggling, are classified as civilians rather than combatants, stating, “These are criminals, not soldiers.”
The actions, initiated under former President Donald Trump’s administration, have been met with international criticism. In defense, the White House has maintained that the targeted individuals were part of operations attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States, framing these measures as necessary to protect American lives.
From September 2025 onwards, the US carried out a series of 16 airstrikes resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals, with notable incidents occurring in regions such as the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific. A strike on September 2 off the Venezuelan coast notably resulted in 11 fatalities. Although the Trump administration covertly authorized these interventions through an executive order, congressional approval was not sought, raising significant legal questions.
The United Nations has responded with concern. In October, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča acknowledged the potentially destabilizing effects these operations could have on regional peace and urged all parties to exercise moderation. Furthermore, UN human rights experts have called for an immediate cessation and independent investigation into the strikes, indicating potential breaches akin to war crimes under international statutes.
Despite this pressure, Trump persistently justified the military’s actions, declaring on social media platforms that any activities related to drug transportation threaten US citizens and should be met with decisive force. The broader implications of these unilateral military actions continue to influence international legal discourse, particularly regarding the classification and treatment of non-state actors under international humanitarian law.