Defense department watchdog opens inquiry into US airstrikes on alleged drug boats
Summary
The Pentagon’s watchdog has started an investigation to see if US military leaders followed proper steps before attacking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These boat strikes, part of a campaign against drug trafficking, have killed many people and raised concerns about their legality.Key Facts
- The Department of Defense inspector general is reviewing if the six-step process for approving lethal strikes was followed.
- The investigation covers operations by US Southern Command in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
- At least 58 US military attacks in the region have killed 193 people, including 13 who remain missing.
- Human rights groups and a UN panel say the strikes may violate US and international law.
- A report found many killed were poor laborers, not major drug traffickers.
- Families of those killed have filed lawsuits against the US government.
- Congress has tried but failed to limit the strikes, with close votes in the Senate.
- The Pentagon and Southern Command have not commented on the investigation.
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