Archbishop of Military Services Condemns Caribbean Drone Strike Operations

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop for the Military Services, has raised serious concerns about the U.S. military’s recent drone strikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean. These strikes have resulted in more than 87 deaths and have prompted new questions about whether the operations are respecting legal standards and established limits on the use of force.

In a statement released on December 3, 2025, Broglio stressed that every person—regardless of the accusations against them—is owed basic legal protections and humane treatment. He pointed to reports that some survivors of these boat strikes may have been intentionally killed, even though they were no longer a threat. Under the U.S. Law of War Manual, these individuals are considered hors de combat and must not be targeted.

The Archbishop underscored that intentionally killing defenseless people is both immoral and illegal. He also warned that military personnel should never be asked to carry out orders that violate conscience or established moral and legal norms. He called on U.S. leaders and military officials to ensure that current practices align with just war principles, due process, and fundamental respect for human life.

Broglio’s statement adds to the growing debate over the United States’ moral and legal responsibilities in these operations. Bypassing proper procedures in the name of drug interdiction risks harming innocent people and undermines the country’s longstanding commitments to justice and human rights.

“It would be an illegal and immoral order to kill deliberately survivors on a vessel who pose no immediate lethal threat to our armed forces,” Broglio said, urging national leaders to demonstrate respect for human dignity and the rule of law.

His statement calls for a full review of the military’s actions in the Caribbean and stronger safeguards to ensure that future operations uphold both legal standards and the value of every human life.