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Pentagon probes legality of drug-boat strikes killing 193.

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon inspector general opened a review to see if recent drug-boat strikes followed the six-phase Joint Targeting Cycle.
U.S. forces have attacked drug-smuggling vessels since early September, killing 193 and leaving one survivor after the May 8 strike.
Democratic lawmakers and military legal scholars have criticized the strikes, questioning the evidence, while the White House said the follow-up missile attack was self-defense.

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Story summary

The Pentagon inspector general opened a review to see if recent drug-boat strikes followed the six-phase Joint Targeting Cycle.
U.S. forces have attacked drug-smuggling vessels since early September, killing 193 and leaving one survivor after the May 8 strike.
Democratic lawmakers and military legal scholars have criticized the strikes, questioning the evidence, while the White House said the follow-up missile attack was self-defense.