An open letter to the U.S. Congress

Demand Investigation into Legality of Caribbean Military Strike

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I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent US military strikes on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, 2025. While I understand the importance of combating drug trafficking, the details surrounding this operation raise serious questions about its legality and ethical implications. The initial strike on the vessel resulted in casualties, but it's the follow-up strike that particularly troubles me. Reports indicate that after survivors were detected, a second strike was ordered to kill the remaining crew members, bringing the total death toll to 11. This action, reportedly ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, may constitute a violation of the law of armed conflict and could be seen as an extrajudicial killing of civilians. President Donald Trump's announcement of these strikes, without acknowledging the killing of survivors, further obscures the truth and raises questions about transparency in military operations. The justification that these targets are linked to drug cartels engaged in armed conflict with the US seems tenuous at best and may not meet the legal threshold for the use of lethal force against civilians. The fact that the UK has stopped sharing intelligence on suspected drug vessels due to concerns over the legality of US actions is a clear indicator that our allies are questioning the ethics and legality of these operations. This not only hampers our ability to combat drug trafficking effectively but also damages our international reputation. I urge you to call for an immediate and thorough investigation into the legality of these strikes, particularly the second strike that targeted survivors. We need to ensure that our military operations adhere to international law and uphold the values we claim to defend. The disagreements within our own military and government about these operations underscore the need for clarity and accountability. As my representative, I ask that you push for transparency in this matter and demand answers from the administration. We must address these concerns to maintain the integrity of our military actions and our standing in the international community. The fight against drug trafficking is crucial, but it must be conducted within the bounds of law and ethics.

▶ Created on November 29 by Issues That Matter

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