Statement on "No Quarter" Orders in Carribean Boat Strikes
- Former JAG Working Group
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Summary: This statement reviews media reports that U.S. forces conducted strikes on a narcotrafficking vessel and then conducted a second strike on surviving individuals in the water. It explains that, if accurate, such actions would violate both international humanitarian law and U.S. criminal law by targeting persons rendered unable to fight ("hors de combat"). It summarizes applicable Geneva Conventions rules, the Hague prohibition on “no quarter” orders, and relevant U.S. statutes on murder and war crimes. The statement emphasizes that personnel who issue or carry out such orders may face legal liability.