Pentagon inspector general to review US strikes on suspected drug boats

Published May 19, 2026 11:03am ET



The War Department’s inspector general announced a review of whether the U.S. military’s strikes against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean followed the required targeting process.

Last September, the Pentagon began what it dubbed Operation Southern Spear, and since its origin, U.S. Southern Command has targeted nearly 60 small boats in the Caribbean Sea or eastern Pacific Ocean that it says were attempting to smuggle drugs into the country, killing nearly 200 people in those strikes.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.