Releasing them from US custody evades thorny legal issues regarding military detention of suspected drug smugglers

Prior to Thursday's operation, U.S. military strikes against suspected drug boats off Venezuela had not left any known survivors.

It’s unclear whether survivors will be treated as prisoners of war or criminal defendants by US military

Trump confirms attack on drug-carrying submarine in Caribbean, sparking legal and political debate over military actions.

Releasing them from US custody evades thorny legal issues regarding military detention of suspected drug smugglers

The U.S. military flew the survivors to a U.S. Navy warship in the Caribbean after they were rescued.

US leader says suspected drug traffickers to be sent to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia.

U.S. strike survivors transferred to home countries for detention and prosecution, Trump overseeing military buildup in Caribbean.