U. S. Senators Question Military Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats

Key Points:

• Concerns Raised: Democratic senators have questioned the legal basis of recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels.
• Casualties: Around 57 deaths have resulted from these strikes.
• Legal Process: Senators argue that killing suspects without proper legal process violates domestic and international laws.

Military Strikes in the Caribbean

• Number of Strikes: At least 13 strikes since September.
• Locations: Mainly in the Caribbean.
• Victims: Some from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.
• Administration Claims: Accuses these countries of drug trade involvement, but governments deny.
• Evidence: No evidence provided that vessels pose immediate threat to the U.S.

Shift in U.S. Approach

• Traditional Method: Coast Guard intercepts boats; "Panama Express" task force investigates.
• Current Method: "Panama Express" shut down; cases moved to Homeland Security Task Force.
• Federal Agents: Now used for immigration enforcement, which senators find counterproductive.

Legal and Ethical Questions

• Justice Department Response: Claims operations follow laws of armed conflict.
• Legal Experts' Views: Argue strikes could be unlawful extrajudicial killings.