A boat burns after being bombed by US forces in the Pacific Ocean on May 29, 2026. (Photo by US Southern Command/screenshot)
“We look forward to the day when the architects and perpetrators of this campaign of extrajudicial killings are investigated and face justice, including the people who ordered these operations.”
In anticipation of Wednesday, which will mark one year since the Trump administration launched its recently revived bombing campaign against boats allegedly trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Amnesty International USA on Monday renewed its call for congressional action.
“For one year, the US military has carried out a campaign of extrajudicial killings at sea that has left more than 225 people dead, with the most recent four deaths just six days ago,” said Amanda Klasing, Amnesty International USA’s national director for government relations, in a statement. “For just as long, we have called on Congress to take meaningful action to stop these killings, which are illegal under both international and US law.”
Both chambers of Congress are narrowly controlled by Republicans, who have refused to advance war powers resolutions intended to stop the strikes. The US military has confirmed 68 bombings, with at least 227 deaths and 3 survivors, including two attacks last week—though there have been at least three other suspicious attacks on Ecuadorian fishing boats.
All of the attacks have been denounced by legal experts worldwide as “war crimes, murder, or both.” While the Trump administration has tried to justify the deadly campaign by claiming that the United States is in an armed conflict with drug-smuggling cartels, many experts and members of Congress disagree.
“War crimes are violations of the law of armed conflict that take place in armed conflict,” Sarah Elaine Harrison, nonresident fellow in the Stimson Center’s Conventional Defense Program, wrote for Lawfare last week. “By contrast, all of these boat strikes conducted by the US military… are extrajudicial killings. That is, they are deliberate killings that are outside the law: That means murder under domestic criminal statutes, and now likely crimes against humanity under international law.”
Amnesty’s Klasing similarly noted Monday that “US authorities have yet to offer a shred of evidence to support their claims against the people they have killed. They have not even named the dead. But even if the victims were transiting narcotics as the administration alleges, international law absolutely prohibits summary killings of criminal suspects.”
“Unfortunately, with a few notable exceptions, lawmakers have done little to try to halt this horrific campaign of murder at sea,” she continued. “And let us be clear: Extrajudicial killings are a form of murder. How many more people will die at sea from this administration’s illegal actions before Congress does its job?”
For one year, the U.S. military has carried out a campaign of extrajudicial killings at sea that has left more than 225 people dead. We look forward to the day when the architects and perpetrators of this campaign are investigated and face justice.https://t.co/7VQEMZVqlJ
Klasing said that “we look forward to the day when the architects and perpetrators of this campaign of extrajudicial killings are investigated and face justice, including the people who ordered these operations: President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.”
“Until then, we will continue pushing Congress to do its job to stop this ongoing policy of murder, and we urge people to call their representatives and do the same,” she stressed. “But the blame does not solely rest on US authorities.”
Amid the boat bombings overseen by US Southern Command, Trump in March sent American troops to Ecuador for a joint effort to combat “narco-terrorists” in the South American nation. Earlier this month, SOUTHCOM announced an expanded operation dubbed Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, with an aim to “defeat all threats” across Latin America.
Klasing declared Monday that “any authorities in Latin America who have aided these killings with equipment or intelligence must stop collaborating in this illegal airstrike campaign and likewise face justice.”
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.Donald Trump says that he obviously deserves a Peace prize because Obama got one and explains why he established his Bored of Peace
A worker sprays herbicide during a Roadside Invasive Management Workshop held July 29, 2025 at the Winchester Department of Public Works in Connecticut. (Jim Shannon/Connecticut Post via Getty Images)
“While everyone’s distracted by the Trump administration’s erratic actions on the world stage, it keeps approving dangerous forever pesticides right here on our own soil.”
Environmental groups have sued the Trump administration, alleging the Environmental Protection Agency approved a potentially cancer-causing “forever chemical” for use as an herbicide without fully assessing the risk.
The petition was filed Friday in the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit by the Center for Food Safety, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network North America, who asked the court to throw out the EPA’s June 30 approval of trifludimoxazin and six products containing it for use on a wide range of crops including corn, wheat, soybeans, and apples.
Trifludimoxazin is part of the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, synthetic chemicals with strong carbon-fluorine bonds that can take years to fully break down, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
The trifludimoxazin was initially approved in 2021 during the Biden administration. But the company agreed to stop selling the product the following year after environmental groups sued, citing its potential to cause cancer and harm to threatened and endangered fish. But the Trump EPA last year proposed registering it again for widespread use and issued a final approval in June.
The groups argue that the EPA approved the use of trifludimoxazin without accounting for evidence that the pesticide could cause cancer and harm wildlife and ecosystems.
The EPA itself has acknowledged that the chemical could harm many endangered and threatened species, including posing chronic risks to bees and other invertebrates. Meanwhile, rodent studies have found that at high doses, the chemical can cause thyroid tumors and adverse effects on the liver and reproductive systems.
The chemical, which blocks an enzyme in plants needed for growth, has been described as 10 times as potent as dicamba, another weedkiller used on soybeans and cotton, whose products have caused millions of acres of unintended crop damage since its approval in 2017.
But though the EPA’s own guidance states that carcinogenic effects in animals could point to human risk, the agency stated that its final risk assessment found “no human health risks of concern.”
The plaintiffs argue that the EPA did not take all the proper steps to reach this conclusion, having failed to quantify the chemical’s danger, especially when combined with exposure to other approved chemicals.
“Trifludimoxazin is a likely human carcinogen that belongs to a family of weedkillers that also causes reproductive harm, birth defects, and neurological deficits in animal studies,” said Bill Freese, science director at the Center for Food Safety. “As if the health threats weren’t enough, this incredibly potent herbicide can drift to stunt crops and wild plants hundreds of yards from a sprayed field, while runoff threatens wetland plants. Potent biocides like this have no business on the American landscape.”
The lawsuit also notes that two of the approved trifludimoxazin products combine it with another toxic herbicide called saflufenacil, meaning that farmworkers who apply the chemicals could be exposed to the effects of both at once. The plaintiffs said the EPA did not evaluate the risk that would be posed to farmworkers who are exposed to these chemicals.
“While everyone’s distracted by the Trump administration’s erratic actions on the world stage, it keeps approving dangerous forever pesticides right here on our own soil,” said Nathan Donley, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “It’s unconscionable, immoral, and illegal. Our kids and grandkids deserve better than to be saddled with pollution that never goes away.”
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Donald Trump says that he obviously deserves a Peace prize because Obama got one and explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) holds a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31, 2026. [Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Anadolu Agency]
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday said that the US was interested in “continuing the war,” in remarks during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Anadolu reports.
The two leaders met in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek on the sidelines of the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Iran adhered to its commitments stemming from a Pakistan-mediated framework deal with the US, Pezeshkian said, accusing Washington of not fulfilling its commitments.
“However, we continue to try to realize the path of agreement and understanding and believe that the continuation of the war is neither in our interest, nor in the interest of the region, nor in the interest of humanity,” he said.
The solution to the existing issues lies with “dialogue and cooperation,” the Iranian president stressed.
Pezeshkian also called for stronger bilateral ties with India, emphasizing that Tehran is ready to expand cooperation with New Delhi in various fields.
For his part, Modi “expressed concern at the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” a statement by his office said.
The Indian premier also “reiterated the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region,” it said.
Calling for “safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce,” Modi emphasized that “civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances,” according to the statement.
It was the first face-to-face meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian since the US-Iran war began in late February, although the two leaders have spoken several times by phone.
The meeting came amid renewed tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz after the US military attacked Lark Island near the strategic waterway overnight, prompting Iranian retaliation.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained high since the war began with strikes on Iran in late February.
Although a framework agreement was signed in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, the US launched a two-week bombing campaign in July and reimposed a naval blockade after differences emerged over navigation in the strait.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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Israeli authorities construct a new settlement road north of East Jerusalem, a Jerusalem governorate official reportedly said on February 5, 2026. [Issam Rimawi – Anadolu Agency]
Israeli authorities established a new illegal settlement on land in the Jenin governorate in the northern occupied West Bank on Monday, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The settlement, named “Noa,” was established south of the “Ganim” and “Kadim” settlements on Palestinian land southeast of Jenin, Wafa said.
“A ceremony marking the establishment of the settlement was held in the presence of several Israeli ministers and Knesset members,” it said.
The agency added that the move reflects “growing official Israeli support for settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories.”
Wafa warned that the new settlement was established “amid the escalating Israeli settlement project in the northern West Bank, particularly in areas from which Israeli settlements were evacuated in 2005 as part of the ‘Disengagement’ plan.”
Israel evacuated four settlements in the northern occupied West Bank – Ganim, Kadim, Homesh and Sa-Nur – in 2005 as part of its so-called “Disengagement plan,” which also included withdrawing Israeli settlements from the Gaza Strip.
In recent years, however, Israel has taken steps to reverse restrictions preventing Israeli settlers from returning to the evacuated areas.
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported in mid-July that the Israeli Security Cabinet had approved a $370 million budget to establish new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The newspaper said the decision was not publicly announced.
Israel’s current government has described itself as the most supportive of settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
Settlement activity has expanded and accelerated significantly across the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was formed in late 2022.
The UN recognizes the West Bank and East Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territories.
Around 750,000 Israeli settlers live in 141 illegal settlements and 224 settlement outposts across the occupied West Bank, including some 250,000 in 15 settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.
The UN has repeatedly affirmed that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law and warned that they undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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Hundreds of people gather for a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government and demanding his resignation and early elections in Tel Aviv, Israel on March 16, 2024. [Saeed Qaq – Anadolu Agency]
With 56 days left until Israel’s elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears increasingly weakened as his rivals gain ground, Anadolu reports.
Israel’s Knesset elections are scheduled for Oct. 27, with polls showing declining support for Netanyahu and his Likud party.
Netanyahu views the vote as decisive for his political and personal future as he faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
In addition to corruption charges, Netanyahu has faced an International Criminal Court arrest warrant since 2024 on charges related to war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
He sees remaining in power as protection from a possible criminal conviction, as Israel’s Central Court continues to hear the corruption case against him.
Netanyahu hopes the election will either allow him to form the next government or lead to a deadlock in which both he and the opposition fail to assemble a coalition, forcing another election and keeping him in office until a new government is formed.
A poll published Sunday evening by the Israeli public broadcaster showed that if elections were held now, Netanyahu’s bloc would win 52 seats, while the non-Arab opposition would secure 55 seats and Arab lawmakers 13.
A party bloc needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset to form a government.
Opposition parties could seek Arab lawmakers’ support to form a government, but most of their leaders reject such a move.
Attention is now turning to former Israeli army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, who is seen as the strongest opposition figure to form a government.
His newly established Yashar party has advanced in recent weeks, even overtaking Netanyahu’s Likud, which dominated Israeli politics for years.
According to the poll, Yashar would win 24 seats, compared with 21 for Likud.
The survey also showed Eisenkot ahead of Netanyahu in suitability for premiership, with 40% of respondents saying he is better suited to lead the next government, compared with 37% for Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is using all available means to boost votes for right-wing parties.
He has faced accusations in Israel of turning a blind eye to occupier violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in order to keep occupiers within the electoral base of the hard-right.
Netanyahu and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have also boasted that the government formed in late 2022 approved the construction of 104 illegal settlements and allowed the establishment of 160 agricultural settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.
But Netanyahu faces two main challenges: the rise of new right-wing parties, which he says could “burn” tens of thousands of right-wing votes, and the unity of three Arab parties under the Joint List, which is expected to increase Arab turnout.
While earlier polls gave Arab lawmakers 10 seats, recent surveys indicate they could win at least 13.
Higher turnout among Arab citizens, who make up around 20% of Israel’s population of 10 million, could reduce the chances of small right-wing parties crossing the electoral threshold, weakening Netanyahu’s ability to form a government and improving the opposition’s chances.
Netanyahu has therefore been trying to unite small right-wing parties under the banner of preventing the loss of right-wing votes.
He called for a merger between Itamar Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party and Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, but the effort failed.
Netanyahu is now backing unity between Smotrich and former Likud lawmaker Moshe Feiglin.
Israeli Channel 24 reported Monday that, as the deadline for submitting election lists approaches, Netanyahu is exerting heavy pressure to form a three-way right-wing alliance involving Smotrich, Feiglin, and either Ben-Gvir or Ofer Winter.
“The situation is Russian roulette that no one wants to play. We are not succeeding in bringing about unity,” the channel quoted an unnamed Likud source.
The channel said only 10 days remain before lists close and less than two months before election day.
Likud officials realize that without right-wing alliances, some parties may fail to pass the electoral threshold, endangering the entire bloc’s seat count, the report said.
Netanyahu has also stepped up interviews with right-wing platforms and Channel 14, which is close to him, trying to present himself as the only figure capable of providing security.
He accused the opposition of planning to end the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran and of allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“What we saw yesterday in Netanyahu’s interview was a bizarre performance by a hysterical, frightened, obsessive, and unfocused man. I’ve never seen him like that. And I was there with him in those situations. It was heartbreaking,” prominent Maariv columnist Ben Caspit wrote on US social media platform X, quoting an unnamed figure who has accompanied Netanyahu through dozens of interviews and election campaigns in recent years.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
