DOJ Drafts Legal Opinion on Immunity

The Trump administration has reportedly drafted a legal opinion asserting that US military personnel involved in strikes against vessels in the Caribbean are immune from prosecution, according to The Washington Post and Reuters.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) provided the White House with guidance regarding criminal liability for the operations, citing sources familiar with the matter.

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Controversial Strikes Under Scrutiny

Since September, the US military has conducted at least 19 strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 76 fatalities.

The strikes, justified by the administration as actions against “narcoterrorists” and “unlawful combatants” with links to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, have drawn criticism from Democrats, legal experts, and some Republicans.

The Trump administration has yet to publicly present evidence that the targeted boats were indeed carrying illicit drugs.

The concept of an “unlawful combatant,” first used during the George W. Bush administration, allows the US to deny certain protections under the Geneva Convention. However, the term remains highly controversial in international law and is widely rejected by human rights advocates.

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Allies Express Concern

Washington’s actions have unsettled even close allies.

• CNN reported that the UK stopped sharing intelligence on drug trafficking operations with the US, though broader intelligence and defense cooperation remains intact.
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated at the G7 summit that the strikes violate international law.

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Marco Rubio Defends US Policy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected these criticisms during remarks from a US airbase on Wednesday.

• Rubio said that G7 members had not raised the issue during the summit.
• He emphasized that the European Union does not determine what constitutes international law for the United States.
• He also denied the CNN report about the UK halting intelligence sharing, stating: “Nothing has changed or happened that has impeded in any way our ability to do what we’re doing. Nor are we asking anyone to help us with what we’re doing.”

Rubio framed the strikes as a necessary measure for US national security, dismissing outside criticism.

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Key Takeaways

• The Trump administration seeks legal immunity for military personnel conducting strikes in the Caribbean.
• Strikes target alleged drug traffickers with ties to Venezuela, though evidence remains undisclosed.
• Allies and human rights experts have voiced concerns about potential violations of international law.
• Marco Rubio defended the actions as legitimate national security measures.