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Justice Dept. Grants Immunity Amid Controversial Military Strikes

11/15/2025

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U.S. Military Immunity

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion granting immunity to U.S. military personnel involved in strikes against drug-trafficking vessels.
Since September, those strikes have caused 76 deaths in the Caribbean and off Latin America's Pacific coast.
Critics, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, say the strikes violate the laws of war and could amount to unlawful killings.
The Pentagon maintains the operations comply with U.S. and international law.

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Trump Justifies Strikes

A secret Justice Department memo backs U.S. President Donald Trump’s military strikes against drug cartels as lawful under wartime powers.
The memo claims the United States is in an armed conflict with cartels, labeling them 'narco-terrorists'.
Critics say the justification is flawed, noting no clear armed conflict and a departure from law enforcement.
The administration has faced scrutiny from military lawyers over legality, and the strikes have produced numerous fatalities.

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U.S. Military Immunity

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion granting immunity to U.S. military personnel involved in strikes against drug-trafficking vessels.
Since September, those strikes have caused 76 deaths in the Caribbean and off Latin America's Pacific coast.
Critics, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, say the strikes violate the laws of war and could amount to unlawful killings.
The Pentagon maintains the operations comply with U.S. and international law.

1 / 2