Sept. 26, 2025 8 AM PT
To the editor: On Sept. 2, President Trump ordered the army to hold out a ship strike that killed 11 individuals on the excessive seas, potentially violating international law (“U.S. carries out third fatal strike on alleged drug boat,” Sept. 19). This reckless conduct — repeated twice extra in current weeks — endangers U.S. credibility and the lives of service members, together with my family. “Simply following orders” has by no means excused illegal acts.
But Congress stays largely silent. Some name it an “overreach of govt energy,” however let’s be clear: Killings on worldwide waters exterior of armed conflicts are unlawful. Even Division of Protection attorneys have reportedly raised considerations concerning the legality of the strikes.
Congress has a constitutional responsibility to test abuse of govt energy. By refusing, they threat normalizing lawlessness and placing our troops at larger threat. As a 20-year Air Power veteran and 33-year Division of Protection help contractor, I do know the true value of battle. Accountability can’t be elective.
Jeff Merrick, Lengthy Seaside
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To the editor: Colombian President Gustavo Petro needs an investigation into Trump and different officers concerning the lethal assaults on a number of boats within the Caribbean believed to be transporting medicine (“Colombia’s president calls for criminal investigation against Trump over Caribbean strikes,” Sept. 24). I’m all for attempting to get rid of drug movement into the U.S., however attacking three small boats needs to be some of the inefficient methods to realize that purpose. Tons of medication go by means of our borders each month undetected. Blowing up vessels which might be the scale of some small leisure boats within the U.S. is about as efficient at stemming the movement of medication as busting somebody for possessing a joint at a Phish live performance.
Daniel V. Shannon, Camarillo
