The US military recently targeted a boat in the eastern Pacific, believed to be involved in drug trafficking. This strike left two people dead and one survivor, according to US Southern Command.
On February 9, General Francis L. Donovan, commander of Southern Command, ordered the strike as part of a broader initiative known as Operation Southern Spear. This mission aims to disrupt drug trade routes but has faced considerable debate over its methods and legality.
The Coast Guard has joined the effort, with the Ecuadorian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center currently leading the search for the survivor. The Coast Guard stated they would provide technical support for these operations.
Since the beginning of Operation Southern Spear, at least 121 people have died in strikes linked to suspected drug boats. The Trump administration has described those targeted as “unlawful combatants.” They base their authority for these strikes on a classified Justice Department opinion, which lets them act without judicial oversight.
This recent strike marks the third known attack this year and the second one to result in a survivor. A previous strike in January had similar outcomes, with two dead and one survivor.
Critics argue that the government has failed to prove that the individuals killed were actually involved with drug cartels or that the vessels carried narcotics. The legality of these military actions is also under scrutiny in Congress, particularly following the first attack in September. Some military lawyers have raised concerns, suggesting the strikes may not be lawful, especially given that the initial targets were often not definitively linked to drug trafficking.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the complex dynamic between national security and the rule of law in military operations against drug traffickers.
For more structured insights, you can refer to authoritative reports on this topic from sources like The New York Times and the US Department of Justice for a deeper understanding of the implications of such military actions.
