The United Nations (UN) has demanded that the U.S. government immediately halt military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, after confirming at least 20 strikes on civilian vessels that have left more than 75 people dead in recent weeks. The organization called the attacks “a serious violation of international law” and warned that they risk further destabilizing the region.
According to reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the attacks have targeted fishing and cargo vessels, mainly off the coasts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Nicaragua, as well as in parts of the Central Pacific. While Washington insists the operations are “defensive” measures against illicit trafficking networks, UN findings suggest civilian casualties and the destruction of non-combatant vessels without legal justification.
“The use of force without a Security Council mandate constitutes a direct breach of the UN Charter,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres. The UN urged the U.S. to “immediately cease offensive operations” and allow an independent investigation into the incidents.
Diplomatic sources in New York indicated that several Latin American nations plan to request an emergency Security Council meeting, while humanitarian organizations are calling for safe maritime corridors for commercial vessels. Preliminary data suggest that the victims include fishermen, cargo crew members, and migrants traveling in unsafe conditions.
The Pentagon has not provided detailed comments, though a Defense Department spokesperson stated that the actions “respond to direct threats to U.S. national and maritime security.” Analysts, however, warn that the rising civilian death toll and lack of transparency could strain Washington’s regional alliances and weaken its credibility in international forums.
If confirmed, the attacks could constitute violations of international humanitarian law and potentially lead to sanctions or proceedings before the International Court of Justice. The UN reiterated its call for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international norms governing armed conflicts and maritime security operations.