Airstrikes in Mexico killed hundreds of civilians today in the state of Jalisco. Acting on an order to “take any means necessary” to kill Jalisco cartel leaders, five separate airstrikes hit the Western coast of the state. Leaders were strategically hidden in civilian areas, but the United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ordered the attack anyways.
Currently at least 200 people have been killed by airstrikes, with countless more injured. The United States’ blatant disregard for human life and for Mexican sovereignty is unacceptable. The US needs to cease all military action in Mexico immediately and resume diplomatic means of addressing drug violence. Cartel Violence cannot be resolved by murdering innocent civilians. If the goal of the US is to eliminate the negative effects of the drug trade at home and across the border, ravaging civilian populations is not the answer.
