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.