GENEVA (AP) – The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has expressed strong condemnation regarding the recent U.S. military strikes targeting vessels reportedly engaged in the transportation of illegal drugs from South America. This statement, delivered on Friday, represents the first formal reprimand from a UN organization concerning the military operations conducted by the U.S. in this context.

President Donald Trump has defended these military actions, arguing that they are a necessary response to control the influx of drugs into the United States. This justification is part of a broader strategy his administration has adopted to combat drug trafficking, especially from regions like Venezuela.

Türk's remarks included a call for an extensive investigation into the military strikes, emphasizing that his office has yet to find any legal basis under international human rights law that would justify such actions. According to Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the UN rights office, Türk firmly believes that the airstrikes conducted by the United States on vessels in both the Caribbean and Pacific regions violate international human rights laws.

The U.S. military's involvement in anti-drug operations has intensified in recent months, signaling a notable escalation in efforts to counteract drug cartels operating in South America. However, the tactics employed, including military strikes on sea vessels, have raised significant ethical and legal concerns, underscoring a complex interaction between national security and human rights obligations.

In summary, the ongoing military strikes and their implications for international law, as raised by the UN human rights chief, point to a growing tension between combating drug trafficking and safeguarding human rights. This situation highlights the critical need for dialogue and accountability in military operations that impact civilian populations and international norms.