Archive · 18 Nov 2025
US Military Strikes Suspected Drug Boats; Former Official Advocated Sinking Vessels
The US military has been attacking boats they think are carrying drugs, killing many people.
A former official suggested just sinking the boats instead of arresting people.
Some people think this might be against the law.
US military has conducted 21 strikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels since September, killing over 80 people.
Former Justice Department official Emil Bove suggested 'sinking the boats' instead of prosecution in three separate occasions.
Bove's remarks were seen as a precursor to the current militaristic approach against suspected drug vessels.
Justice Department drafted a classified legal opinion to justify military force against suspected drug vessels.
US Senate Democrats demanded access to the classified legal opinion, citing potential war crimes.
- Who
- US military, Emil Bove (former Justice Department official), US Senate Democrats
- What
- US military strikes on suspected drug boats; Bove's suggestion to sink boats; Senate Democrats' demand for classified legal opinion
- When
- September 2022 - present; November 2024 - February 2025 (Bove's remarks); unknown (Senate Democrats' demand)
- Where
- Eastern Pacific Ocean, international waters; Washington D.C.
- Why
- To disrupt drug trafficking into the US; to address concerns about drug-related crimes
US Administration View
Critics' Stance
Use of Military Force
US Administration View
US military defends strikes as targeting 'narco-terrorists' and disrupting drug trafficking.
Critics' Stance
Critics argue extrajudicial killings amount to unlawful war crimes.
Transparency of Legal Justification
US Administration View
US Senate Democrats demand access to Justice Department's classified legal opinion.
Critics' Stance
Justice Department declines to release the opinion, citing national security.
- Total US Strikes on Drug Vessels
- 21
- Fatalities in Strikes
- Over 80
- Bove's Remarks Occurrences
- Three separate occasions
- Classified Legal Opinion Status
- Drafted but not publicly released
Sources
US military carries out 21st strike on suspected drug boat in Pacific, killing three
21st US strike on alleged drug boat kills 3 as Trump admin eyes designating alleged Maduro-led cartel as terrorist group
Pentagon confirms 21st strike on alleged drug boat, kills three in international waters. Watch video
Three killed as US anti-narcotics operation turns deadly in Pacific amid Trump’s possible dialogue with Maduro
