WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement marking one year of unauthorized military action in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.

“It has been one year since President Trump and his administration launched their unauthorized campaign of lethal U.S. military strikes on boats alleged to be linked to what the administration refers to as ‘designated terrorist organizations’ in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Congress and the American people have yet to see any evidence to support the president’s unilateral determinations that these vessels, or the activities of those on board, warrant lethal military force rather than law enforcement-led interdiction. Over 60 boat strikes have killed more than 200 people on suspected drug-smuggling boats this administration has deemed, without due process, to be affiliated with designated terrorist organizations. One strike killed survivors clinging to the wreckage of their boat in a follow-on strike. Last December, Admiral Alvin Holsey reportedly resigned amid growing skepticism of the legality of these operations. 

“It remains unclear whether these operations have made any real difference in stopping illegal drugs from reaching the United States. This is especially true for fentanyl, which President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have repeatedly claimed is the reason for these extrajudicial killings even though we know that it is cocaine – not fentanyl – that is typically shipped via small boats from South America. As these deadly boat strikes continue, the Trump Administration has also failed to publicly provide the costs of these operations, both in terms of dollars and readiness.

“Never before in my over 20 years on this committee have I seen such a staggering lack of transparency on behalf of an administration and DoD to meaningfully inform Congress of the use of lethal military force. It is especially troubling given the strong bipartisan agreement that the flow of illegal narcotics into the U.S. poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of Americans that demands government action. But that action should be taken legally with law enforcement in the lead. And we must also reduce drug demand by countering drug dealing and addiction in our communities through local and state law enforcement and public health initiatives. Much as the previous wars on drugs failed to deliver lasting results, we can’t bomb our way out of the drug crisis now.”

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