Classified DOJ Memo Shields U.S. Troops from Liability in Fatal Boat Strikes
A classified U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) memo has concluded that American troops involved in fatal boat collisions during military operations cannot face legal liability, NextMinuteNews has learned. The undisclosed document reportedly asserts that service members are protected under doctrines preventing prosecution for actions taken in official duties.
Incidents Sparking the Controversy
The memo is linked to multiple maritime incidents—some deadly—involving U.S. Navy vessels and civilian boats in strategic waters like the Persian Gulf and South China Sea. One notable case occurred in 2023 when a U.S. patrol boat struck a fishing vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, killing two fishermen. Despite demands for an investigation, the U.S. cited “operational protocols” and took no disciplinary action.
Legal Protections for Military Personnel
Sources familiar with the memo highlight two key justifications:
1. Sovereign Immunity: Protects U.S. troops from foreign legal actions tied to official duties.
2. Combatant Immunity: Shields personnel from liability for unintentional harm during conflicts or exercises.
Critics argue these protections foster impunity. “If a foreign navy killed U.S. fishermen, would immunity be acceptable?” said human rights advocate Priya Menon.
Geopolitical Fallout
The memo’s stance risks escalating tensions with nations like Iran and China, which have accused the U.S. of reckless naval conduct. Analysts warn the policy could worsen diplomatic friction, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea.
A Pentagon official defended the policy anonymously: “Military operations involve high-risk, split-second decisions. Criminalizing accidents harms readiness.”
Demands for Transparency
Activists and legal experts urge the memo’s release. “Moral authority requires scrutiny,” said international law professor Rajeev Sharma. Victims’ families, like Ahmed Al-Mansoori, whose brother died in a 2021 collision, remain frustrated: “We were promised answers—not legal loopholes.”
Next Steps
The Biden administration has yet to comment, but congressional hearings or new legislation could address accountability standards. For now, the DOJ’s stance leaves victims without recourse and fuels debate over military impunity.
Stay with NextMinuteNews for updates.
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews Team
