The US military conducted strikes on Wednesday targeting two boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in five deaths on board. The strikes, part of a broader campaign by US Southern Command, have focused on vessels suspected of smuggling narcotics to the Caribbean and eastern Pacific over the past three months. This latest attack follows a day after a strike on a convoy of three boats that resulted in at least three casualties.
The recent military actions, framing operations as a war against drug-related crime, have drawn scrutiny regarding potential violations of laws governing combat. Over 30 strikes have occurred since the start of the operations, with more than 110 deaths reported since an initial engagement on September 2. Notably, this first strike involved a controversial 'double-tap' method that resulted in the deaths of survivors trying to cling to their wrecked vessel.
Furthermore, the US has not publicly presented evidence linking the targeted boats to drug trafficking, despite claims of intelligence suggesting their involvement. The implications of these strikes might continue to stir debate, especially among lawmakers concerned with adherence to combat and engagement rules.
The recent military actions, framing operations as a war against drug-related crime, have drawn scrutiny regarding potential violations of laws governing combat. Over 30 strikes have occurred since the start of the operations, with more than 110 deaths reported since an initial engagement on September 2. Notably, this first strike involved a controversial 'double-tap' method that resulted in the deaths of survivors trying to cling to their wrecked vessel.
Furthermore, the US has not publicly presented evidence linking the targeted boats to drug trafficking, despite claims of intelligence suggesting their involvement. The implications of these strikes might continue to stir debate, especially among lawmakers concerned with adherence to combat and engagement rules.
