UN finds US strikes on alleged drug boats may constitute crimes against humanity

UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul has concluded that US strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs may constitute crimes against humanity.

• Saul's report cited 68 US attacks since September 2025 that killed 223 people, calling them "serial extrajudicial killings" in violation of the right to life.
• Saul rejected the US claim of self-defence, saying the crews had not mounted an "armed attack" on the United States.
• US Southern Command said a Saturday strike in the Caribbean killed four people it called "narco-terrorists."
• Trump had told Congress the strikes were self-defence against designated terrorist organizations.