Rand Paul Is Right: Killing Civilians In International Waters Is Unlawful

We, the undersigned, are outraged that U.S. forces blew up a civilian boat in international waters and killed eleven individuals on the mere allegation that they were smuggling drugs. The attack was without any prior warning, boarding, or opportunity for surrender, contrary to established maritime‑law protocols and the rules of armed conflict. Targeting civilians in international waters without warning contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and customary international humanitarian law. The lack of transparency fuels mistrust in U.S. foreign‑policy actions and undermines the rule of law. An impartial investigation will reaffirm America’s commitment to human rights, uphold the integrity of the ICC, and deter future extrajudicial use of force. This was potentially a high crime under the Constitution—an impeachable offense. Therefore there must be: 1. An immediate, independent investigation by an internationally recognized body (e.g., the International Criminal Court, UN Fact‑Finding Mission, or an independent commission of inquiry) into the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the decision‑making chain, the intelligence used to justify the attack, and the legality of the operation under both U.S. and international law. 2. Full disclosure of all video, audio, communications, and after‑action reports related to the incident, including the unedited footage. 3. Accountability for any violations of the Law of Armed Conflict, including possible war‑crime charges, should the investigation find that the strike was unlawful or disproportionate. 4. Policy reforms ensuring that future interdictions of suspected drug‑trafficking vessels follow established procedures—such as Coast Guard boarding, inspection, and arrest—rather than lethal force without due process. Act swiftly to protect human life, uphold international norms, and restore confidence in the United States’ adherence to the rule of law.