The U.N. human rights chief denounced U.S. airstrikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific as unacceptable and urged an investigation, in what appeared to be a first rebuke from a U.N. body. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the strikes violate international human rights law and occur outside armed conflict, warning that lethal force is lawful only as a last resort against an imminent threat. President Donald Trump has defended the campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a latest strike killed four; it was the 14th since early September, with at least 61 dead.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.