The U.S. military has conducted nearly 20 strikes on alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Western Hemisphere that have killed approximately 75 people to date.

Under President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the military in September began targeting alleged drug boats with deadly force, a change from a tradition of having the Coast Guard interdict the ships and making arrests if needed. The strikes have prompted questions and consternation on Capitol Hill regarding the legalities of blowing the vessels up.