Pentagon’s internal watchdog to probe U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats
The Pentagon's inspector general is investigating U.S. Southern Command's strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers regarding the legality of these operations, which have resulted in significant casualties. The investigation will assess the intelligence and targeting processes used in the campaign against drug cartels.
- ▪The Pentagon launched Operation Southern Spear in 2025 to combat drug-smuggling boats.
- ▪Southern Command has destroyed 59 vessels and killed 193 people since the campaign began last fall.
- ▪The investigation will evaluate the targeting process and military doctrine governing these operations.
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National SecurityPentagon’s internal watchdog to probe U.S. strikes on alleged drug boatsBoth Democratic and Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00The Pentagon launched Operation Southern Spear, its name for the campaign against alleged drug-smuggling boats, in 2025.Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 18, 2026, 10:59 PM EDTBy Gordon Lubold and Mosheh GainsWASHINGTON — The Defense Department’s inspector general said Monday that it’s investigating U.S.
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