U.S. Military Conducts Strikes on Drug Boats in Caribbean

U.S. Southern Command announced that it conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on December 4, resulting in the deaths of four men. This operation, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marks the 22nd military strike against drug trafficking vessels, bringing the total death toll to at least 87 individuals in this campaign.

The Pentagon stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics along a known trafficking route. However, scrutiny has arisen regarding the legality of these actions, particularly following a September 2 strike that allegedly killed survivors of an earlier attack.

In classified briefings, Adm. Frank Bradley clarified that his orders did not include a directive to 'kill them all,' but concerns persist among lawmakers about potential violations of military warfare laws.

Criticism has been voiced over the legality of targeting survivors, with differing accounts from lawmakers highlighting the complexity of the situation, including the ethical implications of such strikes.

The ongoing military operations reflect a broader U.S. strategy to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean, which has significant implications for regional security and drug-related violence in the U.S., as noted by various officials and analysts.