The U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned U.S. military strikes on boats alleged to smuggle drugs from South America, calling them unlawful and urging an investigation. He said the attacks, authorized by President Trump and blamed for at least 61 deaths since the start of September, lacked any justification under international law and must stop. The administration contends it is in armed conflict with drug cartels, but has offered scant evidence. Türk’s office said the criteria for armed conflict were unmet and that lethal force was unjustified absent an imminent threat.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.