UPDATE: The US Southern Command has just confirmed a military strike against a small boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the 22nd strike in its controversial anti-drug campaign initiated during the Trump administration. This latest operation, conducted on October 12, 2023, comes after a nearly three-week pause and has resulted in four casualties, bringing the total death toll of the campaign to at least 87 individuals.
The strike has reignited serious scrutiny over the legal and ethical implications of the campaign. A disturbing video accompanying the announcement shows the small boat engulfed in flames before it is completely obliterated by an explosion, underscoring the violent reality of these military operations.
The timing of this strike coincides with Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley’s closed-door briefings at the US Capitol, where lawmakers are investigating the very first strike of this campaign, which occurred on September 2. During these classified sessions, questions arose regarding the legality of subsequent attacks ordered by Bradley, particularly one that reportedly targeted survivors of an initial strike.
Amid rising concerns, Bradley denied that there was a “kill them all” order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, but the evidence presented has left lawmakers deeply unsettled. Legal experts point to potential violations of military warfare laws regarding the treatment of survivors at sea, raising alarm over the administration’s approach to combating drug trafficking.
Lawmakers offered starkly contrasting accounts of the video evidence. Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas described witnessing survivors attempting to right a boat laden with drugs, illustrating the urgency of the situation. In contrast, Connecticut Representative Jim Himes expressed his horror, stating, “What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in my time in public service.” He detailed how two individuals, clearly in distress and without means of escape, were killed by the United States.
Washington Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, painted a chilling picture: “Two shirtless people clinging to the bow of a capsized and inoperable boat, drifting in the water — until the missiles come and kill them.”
As the investigation unfolds, the future of Hegseth’s leadership and the legal framework governing these strikes remains uncertain. Lawmakers and the public are left questioning the justification for such military actions against suspected drug smugglers, especially given the significant loss of life involved.
This developing story raises critical questions about the balance between national security and human rights in the fight against drug trafficking. As fresh details emerge, the implications of this military campaign will undoubtedly continue to resonate across political and legal spectrums. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation develops.