UPDATE: Bipartisan investigations are now underway into the legality of recent U.S. military strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. This urgent inquiry follows a controversial strike on September 2, 2023, near Venezuela, which resulted in the deaths of survivors and raised serious questions about the legal framework surrounding these military actions.
Legal experts are scrutinizing the justification for these strikes, as the Trump administration has classified drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Officials argue these operations are self-defense measures against threats to American lives. However, Maryam Jamshidi, a law professor at CU Boulder, emphasizes that the FTO designation does not authorize lethal force against individuals. “The FTO designation does not open up the possibility for murder, killing, assassination, or violence of any kind against members of these organizations,” Jamshidi stated.
The U.S. Southern Command revealed that the latest military operation, directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, resulted in four additional deaths, bringing the total to 87 fatalities across 22 strikes since operations began in September. This alarming escalation has prompted congressional hearings, which have not halted ongoing military actions.
The broader implications are significant, as Jamshidi warns that the White House is claiming extensive authority to conduct unprecedented military strikes against civilian boats in international waters. “That should be very concerning and frightening to everyone,” she added. The investigations aim to determine whether these strikes comply with the Laws of War.
As the situation unfolds, experts and lawmakers alike are closely monitoring the outcomes of these investigations. The military’s aggressive approach to combating drug trafficking is under intense scrutiny, and the potential ramifications of these tactics could reshape U.S. foreign policy.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story continues to evolve. Share your thoughts and concerns about the U.S. military’s actions in the Caribbean below.
