Pentagon’s internal watchdog to probe US attacks on boats in the Caribbean
The Pentagon's internal watchdog is set to investigate US attacks on boats in the Caribbean to determine if they adhered to targeting guidelines. This evaluation follows claims from outside groups that the attacks may have been illegal. The investigation will assess the joint process for targeting vessels as part of Operation Southern Spear.
- ▪The Pentagon's Inspector-General's office announced a self-initiated investigation into the US boat strikes in the Caribbean.
- ▪The evaluation will focus on whether the Pentagon followed the Joint Targeting Cycle during these operations.
- ▪Critics, including Democrat lawmakers and human rights organizations, argue that the administration has not provided sufficient evidence of criminal activity by those targeted.
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Pentagon’s internal watchdog to probe US attacks on boats in the CaribbeanSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe Trump administration has asserted that the boats were operated by drug cartels and carried narcotics bound for the US. PHOTO: AFPPublished May 19, 2026, 09:05 AMUpdated May 19, 2026, 09:05 AMWASHINGTON – The Pentagon’s internal watchdog will investigate whether US boat strikes in the Caribbean followed targeting guidelines, amid claims from outside groups that the attacks were illegal.“The scope of this evaluation includes the joint process for targeted vessels in the US Southern Command area of responsibility as part of Operation Southern Spear,” the Inspector-General’s office said in a statement to Bloomberg News, referring to the operation.The probe was…
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