Pentagon Investigates Drug Smuggling Operations by Southern Command
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon’s inspector general revealed on Monday that an investigation is underway regarding the U.S. Southern Command’s anti-drug cartel operations. This inquiry focuses on allegations of potential illegal actions related to military drug smuggling vessels.
Since the operation commenced last fall, Southern Command has targeted approximately 60 small vessels believed to be trafficking drugs across the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. According to the Pentagon, 59 of these ships have been destroyed, resulting in the deaths of 193 individuals.
A letter dated May 11 from the Pentagon’s Office of the Inspector General indicates that the internal watchdog will scrutinize the intelligence and target selection process utilized by Southern Command in their airstrikes, along with other facets of their anti-cartel operations.
A spokesperson for the inspector general stated, “The scope of this assessment includes a collaborative process for vessels targeted in U.S. Southern Command waters as part of Operation Southern Spear.” This operation aims to combat suspected drug smuggling activities.
The decision to conduct this investigation was based on the Department of Defense’s ongoing review of operational practices, as indicated by a spokesperson. The duration of the investigation remains uncertain; it encompasses inquiries both within the Pentagon and at the Southern Command’s headquarters located in Miami.
Currently, there has been no immediate comment from either Southern Command or Pentagon officials. The investigation will specifically address the military strategies guiding how Southern forces engage drug traffickers using small boats.
U.S. officials have outlined that the process of selecting targets is structured into six essential stages: command intent, target development, analysis and information gathering around each target, the decision to engage, planning and execution, and subsequent evaluation. Recent reports highlighted concerns among lawmakers, including some Republicans, who have called for increased oversight, questioning the legality of the operations as scrutiny over the situation with Iran diverts attention from the ongoing actions in the Southern Command theater.
Notably, recent Pentagon data states that Southern Command has executed three airstrikes in May, resulting in seven fatalities. In one particularly controversial instance, the U.S. targeted a boat with survivors, conducting a second strike that potentially violates the laws of armed conflict. Following the Pentagon’s launch of operations against drug cartels in September, Southern Command leader Gen. Alvin Holsey announced his resignation after just one year in command, with Marine Corps Gen. Frank Donovan appointed as his successor.
