Pentagon Watchdog Opens Review of U.S. Maritime Strikes

The Pentagon’s internal watchdog has opened an investigation into a series of lethal maritime strikes conducted by U.S. Southern Command against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The review, confirmed in a May 11 letter from the inspector general’s office, will evaluate whether military commanders followed established targeting procedures during these operations.

Since September 2025, the U.S. military has targeted nearly 60 small boats under what the Pentagon calls Operation Southern Spear, resulting in more than 190 reported fatalities. The most recent strike occurred on May 8, according to an official statement. The investigation will specifically assess whether components within the Department of Defense adhered to the six-phase Joint Targeting Cycle, which governs the process from intelligence analysis to execution and assessment. Officials stated the evaluation was self-initiated based on ongoing oversight of military programs and not requested by Congress.

The campaign has drawn sustained criticism from legal scholars, members of Congress, and human rights organizations. Critics argue the strikes may constitute unlawful...