The U.S. military has conducted a series of lethal strikes against vessels linked to drug trafficking in international waters, with the latest operation occurring on December 4, 2023. This strike, ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, resulted in the deaths of four individuals identified as narco-terrorists. The operation is part of a broader campaign, known as Operation Southern Spear, aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking networks in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions.

Since the inception of these operations in September, the total fatalities have reached at least 90, raising questions about the humanitarian implications of such military actions. Notably, a previous strike on September 2 resulted in the deaths of nine crew members, with two survivors reportedly killed in a subsequent attack. Footage presented to U.S. senators showed these survivors struggling in the water, prompting scrutiny over the legality of the strikes and the treatment of incapacitated individuals.

Legal experts have expressed concerns that these military actions may violate the U.S. Department of Defense’s Law of War manual, which prohibits attacks on incapacitated combatants. Critics argue that framing drug traffickers as combatants does not exempt military operations from adhering to international law, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals who are no longer engaged in hostilities.

The strikes have also drawn bipartisan scrutiny in Congress, with lawmakers calling for greater oversight and transparency regarding military operations. Some Democratic lawmakers have voiced alarm over the apparent targeting of incapacitated individuals, while certain Republicans defend the strikes as necessary for national security and combating the drug crisis.

In a related issue, a report from the U.S. Inspector General raised concerns about Secretary Hegseth's use of the consumer messaging service Signal for communicating sensitive operational details. This incident, referred to as "Signalgate," highlighted the risks associated with using non-secure platforms for government communications, particularly in light of the sensitive nature of military operations.

As the U.S. military continues its campaign against drug trafficking, the implications for humanitarian law and the ethical considerations of military action remain at the forefront of public discourse, with calls for accountability and a reevaluation of the use of military force in domestic law enforcement contexts.