In early September 2025, the U.S. military conducted a strike on a vessel off the coast of Trinidad, purportedly involved in drug trafficking. This operation marked the beginning of a series of military actions against similar targets. The White House confirmed that the vessel was struck twice, resulting in the deaths of two survivors, prompting calls for investigations and raising concerns among lawmakers about potential violations of international law. According to the U.S. Department of Defense Law of War Manual, combatants who are wounded or incapacitated should not be targeted.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the strikes as essential for combating drug trafficking, framing the importation of narcotics as an assault on American society. However, bipartisan skepticism has emerged regarding the legality of these military actions, particularly as officials have not provided concrete evidence that the vessels posed a direct threat to the U.S. or were engaged in smuggling activities. Following the initial strike, additional operations resulted in over 80 fatalities across more than 20 missions by mid-November.

The legality of the strikes has been challenged, with some lawmakers suggesting that the follow-up attack on survivors could constitute a war crime under both international and domestic law. The Senate Armed Services Committee has announced plans for oversight to investigate the circumstances surrounding these military actions, highlighting the complexities and potential humanitarian implications of operations conducted under the guise of national security and drug enforcement.

In a related context, the White House Press Secretary stated that the second strike was executed 'in self-defense' and adhered to laws governing armed conflict. However, reports indicate that the boat was turning back when it was hit, raising further questions about the justification for the attack. The Pentagon has justified the strikes as part of counter-narcoterrorism efforts, despite concerns regarding the legality and ethical implications of targeting individuals without thorough investigations.

The situation has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle, with lawmakers expressing serious concerns about the military's engagement rules and the broader strategy in the region, particularly in relation to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The scrutiny surrounding these military operations reflects ongoing debates about the ethical implications of U.S. military actions and the need for accountability in the use of force, especially in contexts where civilian lives are at stake.