US lawmakers are questioning the Trump administration about recent military strikes targeting Venezuelan drug boats. Reports have emerged of a follow-up attack that allegedly aimed to kill survivors from an initial strike, raising serious concerns.
On September 2, a US strike hit a boat with two survivors. Following this, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly ordered a second strike to “kill everybody” on board. Hegseth later dismissed this claim as “fake news,” and President Trump expressed his full support for him.
The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, stating the strikes are part of an anti-narcotics operation. Since early September, over 80 people have been killed in these actions. The administration defends its stance by claiming it’s acting in self-defense against vessels smuggling drugs to the US.
Recent comments from Congress reveal bipartisan concern. Lawmakers have called for investigations into these strikes. Senator Tim Kaine pointed out that attacking survivors could amount to a war crime if true. Republican Mike Turner also noted the seriousness of such actions, indicating they would be illegal.
The Senate Armed Services Committee announced plans for thorough oversight into the military’s actions in this region. They expressed awareness of the troubling allegations and mentioned ongoing inquiries into the Department of Defense.
Hegseth, in a post on X, labeled the accusations as “inflammatory” and stated that the strikes comply with US and international law. He emphasized that every trafficker killed was linked to a terrorist organization.
President Trump stated he trusts Hegseth’s denial and noted he wouldn’t support a second strike on survivors. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan National Assembly condemned the attacks, accusing the US of increasing regional tensions.
Under international law, countries are generally barred from interfering with vessels in international waters, with few exceptions like ‘hot pursuit.’ Recently, Professor Luke Moffett from Queens University Belfast highlighted that force should be used cautiously, advocating for non-lethal measures whenever possible.
This unfolding situation shows the complexities of military action and international law, raising questions about the balance between security and legality. As this story develops, public opinion may shift, reflecting deeper concerns about the legality and ethics of military operations in the fight against drug trafficking.
For more insights into military and international law, check the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
