Washington, DC, September 2, 2026 – September 2nd marks one year since the United States began conducting unlawful strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, killing over 225 civilians. Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) condemns these extrajudicial killings of civilian drug trafficking suspects outside of armed conflict and calls for their immediate end, transparency about the strikes, and accountability for the harm caused.  

“It has been one year of US murder on the high seas with no accountability for the civilian victims and their families. The American public also remains in the dark about who the US is targeting and why. The stakes are extraordinarily high: the Trump administration is asserting that it can kill anyone it accuses of a crime, anywhere in the world, without due process,” said Annie Shiel, CIVIC’s US Director.  

“The consequences of these strikes are felt by communities across the region. Families may never know what happened to their loved ones who disappeared. Communities are traumatized by human remains washing ashore. Fishermen are struggling to provide for their families because their livelihoods now carry the risk of being bombed,” said Shiel.  

In August 2026, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the new Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere as an “evolution” of the boat strikes campaign, suggesting a continuation and expansion of these unlawful strikes across the region.  

“Congress must put an end to this lawless campaign, including by refusing to fund the strikes, and ensure accountability for civilian victims and survivors,” said Shiel. “All governments must also end any assistance that enables these unlawful killings or risk incurring legal responsibility under international law.”   

CIVIC urges Congress to pass legislation prohibiting funding for the boat strikes, demand basic transparency about the strikes and their legal justification, and conduct robust oversight and investigations into the strikes.  

As the United States expands its campaign, States must also decline to cooperate or contribute to violations of international human rights law. In April, CIVIC and over 120 organizations issued a  call to all States to end support for US extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.  

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact: 

• CIVIC’s Global Media Team: [email protected]