U.S. military watchdog probes strikes on alleged drug boats: reports

Key points

• The Pentagon's independent watchdog is probing the legality of the U.S.
• military's widely criticised operation targeting alleged drug boats that has killed at least 192 people, U.S.
• media reported on Monday (May 18, 2026).
• President Donald Trump's administration began striking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean in September last year, insisting it is effectively at war with what it calls "narco-terrorists" operating out of Latin America.
• Extrajudicial killings But legal experts and rights groups suggest the attacks could amount to extrajudicial killings because they have apparently targeted civilians who do not pose an immediate threat to the United States.