Washington, DC, September 8, 2025 – Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is alarmed by the recent US strike against a vessel in the Caribbean Sea that reportedly killed 11 people. The strike, which occurred outside the context of armed conflict, raises serious concerns about human rights, due process, and the rule of law.
In response to the strike, CIVIC’s US Advocacy Director Annie Shiel said:
“All people, no matter where they live or what crime they have been accused of, have fundamental human rights, including the rights to life and due process. Using lethal force in this way, outside of any recognizable armed conflict and without due process, is an extrajudicial execution, not an act of war.”
“This strike also risks a dangerous escalation towards further US military operations in the region, which would put communities at risk and undermine Congressional war powers and the global rule of law. Congress must rein in the administration’s unaccountable killing and demand transparency about the strike’s human impact and legal justification.”
CIVIC also reiterates its long-standing call for an end to the US program of lethal strikes outside of recognized battlefields, which has, over multiple administrations, weakened the rule of law and increased risks to civilians.
On August 15, CIVIC joined 37 groups in opposing US plans to use military force against criminal organizations in Latin America. Read the letter to Congress here.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
- CIVIC’s Global Media Team: [email protected]
- CIVIC US Communications and Media Manager: [email protected], +1 208 403 4216
