Experts say US boat strikes are illegal killings. Can they be stopped?
At least 86 people have been killed in strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats that experts call illegal killings.
![A demonstration against the Contras, the US intervention in Nicaragua, Central America and Honduras [File: Rick Maiman/Sygma via Getty Images]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GettyImages-1039970092-1764842063.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a cabinet meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 2, 2025. [Brian Snyder/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-02T190240Z_845962723_RC2I8IAORANV_RTRMADP_3_USA-TRUMP_cropped-1764706004.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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EXPLAINER
Trump’s boat bombings: How the US has long used ‘double-tap’ strikes
‘Double-tap strikes’ allegedly used on Venezuelan boats accused of trafficking drugs were used extensively under Obama.
From: NewsFeed
Hegseth under scrutiny after US kills boat strike survivors
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is facing questions after authorising a second attack on an alleged drug boat.
Published On 2 Dec 2025
EXPLAINER
Hegseth or Admiral Bradley: Who approved the second Venezuela boat strike?
The US defence secretary and White House have defended the second strike, but Trump said he would not have wanted it.
El Chapo’s son pleads guilty in US drug case, cuts deal with prosecutors
Joaquin Guzman Lopez pleads guilty to drug trafficking and to kidnapping an individual believed to be ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.
US, UK agree to zero tariffs on medicines; UK commits to higher spending
The deal involves a major change in how the UK values drugs and will apply to all new medicines, not just US ones.
EXPLAINER
Is US President Donald Trump preparing to strike Venezuela?
Venezuela slams Trump’s warning that its airspace should be considered closed amid rising tensions.
From: Quotable
“Everything is on the table” for Trump in Venezuela
Adolfo Franco talks about the threat of US military action against Venezuela and what he thinks is the desired outcome.
Published On 30 Nov 2025
Son of jailed Mexican drug lord ‘El Chapo’ to plead guilty in US court
Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of four sons of the Sinaloa cartel’s ‘El Chapo’, changes his plea to guilty, documents show.
EXPLAINER
Why has Venezuela banned six international airlines amid US tensions?
Venezuela’s decision to revoke permits for carriers is the latest response to escalating tensions with the US.
Trump says US will stop Venezuelan drug trafficking ‘by land’ soon
US president claims attacks on vessels in Latin American region have stopped 85 percent of drugs trafficked by sea.
