US Military Strikes on Boats Questioned

Since early September, the U.S. military has conducted at least 83 strikes on boats in international waters, a campaign that has drawn significant scrutiny. These operations, characterized by brief video releases from the Pentagon, have employed a mix of drones and manned aircraft delivering various munitions, including laser-guided missiles and bombs. This approach marks a departure from traditional stop-and-board tactics used in drug interdiction efforts.

While the administration claims these vessels were smuggling drugs, concrete evidence remains largely undisclosed. Investigations reveal that some boats were already stopped when attacked, and individuals onboard were visible before the strikes. This has prompted legal experts and lawmakers from both parties to question the legality of these actions and seek the White House's legal justification.

The military's decision to release clips showing people aboard vessels just before they are destroyed is also a notable shift in practice. These strikes, often using advanced weaponry like AGM-176 Griffin and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, have resulted in the deaths of at least 83 individuals, underscoring the grave consequences of these expanded military operations at sea.