The US Justice Department on Wednesday defended lethal military strikes on suspected drug traffickers, brushing aside charges they may amount to extrajudicial killings that merit legal prosecution.

“The strikes were ordered consistent with the laws of armed conflict, and as such are lawful orders,” a Justice Department spokesperson said.

US service members who participate in the strikes, which have left at least 76 people dead, do not risk prosecution, the spokesperson said.

“Military personnel are legally obligated to follow lawful orders and, as such, are not subject to prosecution for following lawful orders.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urged Washington on Monday to investigate the legality of the strikes on the alleged drug-running boats, saying there were “s

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