The Defense Department’s inspector general is reviewing U.S. Southern Command’s procedures related to strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats, according to multiple outlets. The evaluation was initiated after the U.S. military attacked vessels suspected of carrying drugs, with the focus on whether the command’s protocols were followed and how decisions were made during the operations. The reporting describes the review as an effort by the Pentagon’s watchdog to examine the relevant processes used by U.S. Southern Command when it employs force against suspected drug boats. The sources do not provide additional details about the specific incidents being examined, the timeline of the review, or any preliminary findings. Overall, they agree that the inspector general has started an evaluation tied to attack operations in the Southern Command’s area of responsibility and that the scope centers on the command’s protocols governing such strikes.