US Military's Controversial Double Strike on Suspected Drug Boat

In a series of events that have sparked legal and ethical debates, the US military conducted a second strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, following an initial attack that left survivors. This marked the beginning of a pattern of strikes on alleged drug boats, with the second attack killing the remaining crew and sinking the ship, resulting in a total of 11 deaths. The initial strike disabled the boat and caused fatalities, but an assessment revealed that not everyone on board had been killed. The decision to carry out a second strike was made to ensure the elimination of all individuals on board, as per the orders of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. However, it remains unclear whether Hegseth was aware of the survivors before the second strike was authorized. The strikes were announced by President Donald Trump, but the administration has never publicly acknowledged the killing of survivors. Trump's recent statements hint at potential actions against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela, raising further questions about the legality of US military operations in the region. Officials have admitted that they do not always know the identities of those on board the boats before they are targeted. Concerns have been raised about the legality of these strikes, particularly the practice of targeting survivors. Legal experts argue that killing individuals who are no longer a threat violates the law of armed conflict, which requires humane treatment of those who are "hors de combat, " or out of the fight due to injury or surrender. The administration's justification for the strikes is based on the claim that the boats carry individuals linked to drug cartels engaged in an armed conflict with the US. Prior to these military actions, drug trafficking was typically handled by law enforcement and the US Coast Guard, with suspects treated as criminals entitled to due process. However, a classified legal opinion from the Justice Department argues that the president can authorize lethal strikes against certain cartels and criminal organizations in self-defense, citing an imminent threat to Americans. This argument is undermined by instances where targeted boats were moving away from the US or where survivors posed no immediate threat. Senior defense officials and allies have expressed skepticism about the legality of these operations. The commander of US Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, reportedly offered to resign after questioning the legality of the strikes. Additionally, lawyers within the Department of Defense's Office of General Counsel have raised concerns about the lawfulness of these actions.