Military Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats Raise Legal Questions
The US military has been launching attacks on suspected drug boats, not in the Caribbean Sea as usual, but in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This signifies a broadening of the current administration's efforts to combat drug trafficking originating from South America.
The Defense Secretary shared a video showing a blue speedboat cruising on the ocean surface and then being struck, causing it to erupt into flames. The Secretary's message was clear: "These cartels are waging war on our border and our people. There will be no sanctuary or mercy - only justice."
Increasing Concerns and Questions
The total number of known boat attacks has reached nine, resulting in at least 37 deaths. However, the administration has yet to publically provide evidence to support their claims that the individuals on these boats were members of drug cartels and that the boats were used for drug transportation. This has led to questions about the legality of these strikes and the true intentions behind the administration's campaign.
Prior to these strikes, the US military had been increasing the number of troops and navy ships in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela. Experts in international law have noted this as an unprecedented level of military force against suspected drug boats, prompting speculation about the operation's real goal. Is it about countering narcotics trafficking or is it about overthrowing the leader of Venezuela?
Statements from the Administration
The current administration has stated that they have the legal right to launch these attacks in international waters, citing it as a matter of national security to protect American lives. The administration has been vocal about its escalated use of force, praising the accuracy and power of the military.
With the administration asserting that their actions have saved the lives of tens of thousands of Americans, they have also alluded to the possibility of conducting strikes on land in the future. This has led to lawmakers voicing their concerns.
Lawmakers Express Concerns
While the power to declare war rests with Congress, not the White House, some lawmakers have expressed worries that these strikes on suspected drug boats may violate both domestic and international laws. A senator accused the administration of setting a dangerous precedent of acting before asking questions, criticizing the killing of people without knowing their identities or having concrete evidence.
However, the administration has been vague about their legal justification for the military strikes, stating only that these actions are being taken under the president's Article II powers as commander in chief and as a defensive measure.
Legal Questions Surrounding the Strikes
Legal experts have pointed out numerous flaws in the administration's justification. They argue that the president asserting the right to kill people based solely on his own decree is a problem. They also state that premeditated killing, outside of armed conflict, is essentially murder, and this doesn't change even if a legal justification is provided by the administration.
These strikes have not only raised concerns in Venezuela, but also in Colombia, which has coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific. After the Colombian President accused the US of murder, the administration responded by announcing the cessation of aid payments to Colombia.
Recently, a group of independent United Nations experts declared that even if the boats were indeed transporting drugs, using lethal force without a proper legal basis violates international law. They warned that these actions could potentially destabilize peace and security in the Caribbean region.
In response to the ongoing debate about the legality of these actions and whether Congress should weigh in, the Secretary of State simply stated that these were drug boats and if people wanted to stop seeing them blow up, they should stop sending drugs to the United States.