Summary
A US Marine, Lance Cpl Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, fell overboard and died while participating in a military operation against drug boats in the Caribbean. The operation, named Operation Southern Spear, aims to combat drug trafficking and played a role in capturing Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. The incident involving Oforah is under investigation, and there are legal concerns about the operation's methods.
Key Facts
- Lance Cpl Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, a US Marine, fell overboard from the USS Iwo Jima on February 7 and was pronounced dead on February 10.
- Oforah's death is under investigation by the military.
- He was part of Operation Southern Spear, targeting drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.
- The operation has conducted 38 strikes since September, contributing to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
- The USS Iwo Jima was used to transport Maduro after his capture.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the operation aims to remove "narco-terrorists."
- Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes, suggesting they may violate international law.
- There is an ongoing lawsuit by families of victims of previous strikes alleging "lawless killings."
