The US military has recently intensified its operations against alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. This initiative has prompted a series of strikes, leading to significant casualties among those onboard.
Overview of US Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats
Since the campaign began, the US has conducted multiple strikes, resulting in the destruction of 23 vessels and the death of at least 87 individuals. Among these tragic incidents, at least five individuals initially survived the strikes, finding themselves floating in the ocean after their boats were destroyed.
Survivor Treatment: Varied Responses
The treatment of survivors from these strikes has raised serious concerns. Two survivors were detained by the US Navy and subsequently returned to their home countries. In contrast, one survivor is presumed dead after floating away, while two others became the focus of scrutiny following a second strike on September 2.
- Detained Survivors: Two individuals were returned to Ecuador and Colombia.
- Presumed Dead: One survivor is estimated to be lost at sea.
- Second Strike Concerns: Two survivors were killed during a follow-up strike.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have alleged that the follow-up strike may have violated international law. Legal experts argue that executing individuals who are injured or who have surrendered contravenes the laws of armed conflict.
Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who led the Joint Special Operations Command during the first strike, defended the decision to conduct additional strikes, citing the potential danger of survivors returning to their trafficking activities. He indicated that the operation aimed to eliminate any remaining threats, as the surviving individuals were associated with illicit drugs.
Subsequent Strikes and Survivors
Another notable incident occurred on October 16, when the US military reported picking up two survivors from a sunken submarine allegedly carrying narcotics. These men were released shortly thereafter to their home countries, as they were not deemed a threat after escaping the vessel.
Protocol and Future Operations
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that there is an established protocol for handling survivors. He clarified that the context of each incident dictates the response, indicating that the October strike was fundamentally different from the September operation that resulted in additional casualties.
The US military’s strike frequency has significantly decreased recently, with the last operation occurring 19 days ago on December 4. Hegseth acknowledged this shift, stating that concerns over the treatment of survivors will not affect future operational strategies, as the focus remains on combating drug trafficking in the region.
As the US continues its campaign against drug boats, the implications of its actions on survivors and adherence to international law remain critical points of discussion among lawmakers and legal experts.
