Troops Involved in Boat Strikes Face a ‘Moral Injury’ Risk, Experts Say
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The Trump administration’s missile strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking have faced legal and congressional criticism for allegedly killing unarmed civilians in international waters, raising concerns about legality and summary executions.
- Classified congressional hearings and lawsuits seek to uncover secret memos authorizing these strikes, highlighting the controversy at the highest levels of government.
- The psychological impact on military personnel carrying out these strikes is significant, with research showing that participating in such killings can cause deep moral injury, intense guilt, and long-term mental health issues.
- Moral injury, recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is exacerbated when service members feel betrayed by their leaders or institutions, potentially leading to increased risks of suicide.
- Hundreds of military personnel involved in these operations may
