U.S. Military's Follow-up Strike Kills Survivors of Boat Attack | AI News Digest
On September 2, a troubling incident unfolded when two survivors of a vessel hit by U.S. military strikes reportedly spent about 45 minutes clinging to debris before a subsequent attack resulted in their deaths. Admiral Frank Bradley, who was in charge of Joint Special Operations Command at the time, ordered this follow-up strike, asserting that the survivors posed a potential threat. This action has faced backlash from lawmakers and analysts, who contend that the men were signaling for assistance and did not pose an immediate risk. The event has ignited a broader debate about the legal and ethical implications of military engagement, particularly regarding the rules of engagement for targeting individuals who are not actively endangering U.S. forces. Concerns have emerged across party lines about the legality of conducting strikes against civilians, even when linked to drug trafficking allegations.
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