US Military Under Scrutiny for Drug Boat Strikes Amid Controversy
US military watchdog probes strikes on alleged drug boats: Reports

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The Pentagon's independent watchdog is investigating the legality of US military strikes on alleged drug boats, which have resulted in at least 192 deaths. Initiated by the Trump administration in September 2020, these operations have faced criticism for potentially targeting civilians and lacking evidence of drug trafficking involvement.
- 01The investigation focuses on whether the Pentagon adhered to the Joint Targeting Cycle during the strikes.
- 02Operation Southern Spear began in September 2020, targeting vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean.
- 03Critics, including legal experts and rights groups, argue that the strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings.
- 04Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed the operation's success has made it difficult to find targets.
- 05The probe will evaluate the targeting process at both the Pentagon and USSOUTHCOM headquarters in Florida.
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The Pentagon's independent inspector general is examining the legality of military operations targeting alleged drug boats, which have reportedly killed at least 192 people since their initiation in September 2020. The operations, part of Operation Southern Spear, were launched by the Trump administration as a response to what it termed a war against 'narco-terrorists' from Latin America. However, the strikes have faced significant backlash, with critics arguing that they may amount to extrajudicial killings due to the apparent targeting of civilians not posing immediate threats. Furthermore, legal experts have raised concerns about the lack of definitive evidence linking the attacked vessels to drug trafficking activities. The investigation will assess whether the Pentagon followed the Joint Targeting Cycle, a framework outlining essential steps for military operations. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stated that the operation's success has made it challenging to locate targets, indicating a shift in the US strategy towards drug trafficking, which has historically focused on interdiction and material seizure.
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The investigation could lead to changes in military engagement rules, affecting how the US conducts operations against drug trafficking.
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