Pentagon Watchdog Opens Probe Into U.S. Anti-Drug Boat Strikes

By Blessing Nweke

The Defense Department’s inspector general has launched an investigation into U.S. Southern Command’s deadly campaign against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, amid growing criticism from lawmakers and legal experts over the operation’s legality.

The review will examine how targets were selected and whether the military followed proper intelligence and targeting procedures during Operation Southern Spear, the Pentagon’s anti-cartel campaign that began last fall. According to Pentagon figures, U.S. forces have destroyed 59 vessels and killed 193 people since the operation started.

In a May 11 letter, the Pentagon inspector general said the evaluation would focus on the “joint process for targeted vessels” within Southern Command’s area of responsibility. The probe was initiated internally by the watchdog office as part of its ongoing oversight of military operations, officials said.

The investigation will include reviews inside the Pentagon and at Southern Command headquarters in Miami. Officials said investigators will analyze each phase of the military’s targeting doctrine, from intelligence gathering and target development to strike approval and post-strike assessments.

The campaign has faced mounting scrutiny since  News reported in November that Southern Command’s senior military lawyer questioned the legality of the strikes and argued the administration’s justification was flawed. Critics have also raised concerns about civilian casualties and compliance with the law of armed conflict.

One controversial incident reportedly involved U.S. forces returning to strike a boat after survivors remained aboard following an initial attack.

Despite attention shifting toward tensions with Iran, the anti-cartel operation has continued. Southern Command carried out three strikes in May alone, killing seven people, according to Pentagon data.

Adm. Alvin Holsey stepped down as Southern Command chief shortly after the campaign began and was replaced by Marine Gen. Frank Donovan.