Former Obama Defense Intel Chief on 'Double Tap' Strikes Against Drug Smugglers

'Double Tap' Strike Procedure

• 🎯 The 'double tap' strike, involving a second strike on a target, was considered routine procedure under past administrations following the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).
• ⚡ This procedure was applicable to designated terrorists and extremist groups, allowing for subsequent strikes if individuals attempted to flee or reactivate a target.

Legal and Operational Justification

• ⚖️ The decision for a second strike on September 2nd was based on the assessment that the boat was potentially functional and survivors were attempting to reactivate it or signal for help.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Real-time legal advice from a JAG officer was reportedly present in the command center during the decision-making process.
• 📜 Obtaining legal counsel from the Department of Justice regarding target designation under the AUMF is considered a vital step, especially for individuals associated with drug smuggling operations.

Divergent Congressional Views

• 🗣️ Congressman Jim Hines viewed the individuals as having limited economic opportunity and making a poor decision to participate in the drug trade, not as major adversaries.
• ⚔️ Senator Tom Cotton, conversely, perceived the survivors as actively trying to keep the drug-laden boat operational, characterizing them as combatants.

Defining the Threat

• ❓ The core question revolves around whether these individuals constitute foreign terrorist organizations or individuals who can be targeted, even with a second strike.
• 🚨 The affirmative answer depends on confidence that they pose a clear and imminent danger to U.S. national security, which is the basis for shaping policy against these drug trafficking networks.
• 📈 Some officials, like Congressman Rick Crawford, believe these drug traffickers are more dangerous than groups like ISIS.