Major General on the Legality of U.S. Military Strikes on Alleged Drug Trafficking Boats

Interview
Written By David Petri

Major General Steven Lepper, USAF (Ret.)

Former Deputy Judge Advocate General

Washington Journal

December 7, 2025

Maj. Gen. Steven Lepper, USAF (Ret.), former Deputy Judge Advocate General, discussed the legality of U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean. He said the operations did not meet the legal standard for a non-international armed conflict and warned that treating drug trafficking as warfare could violate international law. Lepper addressed the designation of cartel members as unlawful combatants, the reported “double-tap” strikes on survivors, and the potential for war crimes or unlawful killings.

David Petri

Dave Petri is a marketing and sustainability professional with 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries. Since 2010, Dave’s professional experience has primarily been in the Outdoor Industry, including industry-wide leadership roles. He launched Cynosura Consulting in 2019 and is the principal consultant, providing his expertise to various companies and organizations in the manufacturing, hospitality, and event management sectors.

https://www.cynosurallc.com
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