Letters from an American December 4, 2025
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Dec 5, 2025 A controversial U.S. military strike on small boats raises serious legal and ethical questions. Footage from the attack reveals tragic details, with reports of nine killed and two survivors clinging to wreckage. Experts argue the operation lacked legal authority under the War Powers Resolution. Senators call for transparency and release of the full video. Meanwhile, social media reactions vary, some praising the strikes, as the U.S. acknowledges over 20 similar operations resulting in significant casualties.
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Legal Basis For Narco-War Is Unclear
- The Trump administration claims a formal armed conflict with drug cartels without clear legal authority.
- Heather Cox Richardson highlights legal experts who say the strikes likely violate U.S. and international law.
Second Strike Killed Shipwrecked Survivors
- Heather Cox Richardson recounts a September 2 strike that split a boat and left two survivors clinging to wreckage.
- She describes Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley ordering a second strike that killed the survivors rather than rescuing them.
Rationale Shift For Second Strike
- Admiral Bradley told Congress he ordered the second strike because packages of cocaine kept the vessel afloat.
- Richardson notes this rationale replaced earlier claims that the survivors were communicating with other vessels.