The White House defended a U.S. admiral’s decision to carry out multiple strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel in September. The admiral had authorization from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as confirmed by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. President Donald Trump expressed that he did not support a second strike and denied issuing such an order.
The strikes, conducted by U.S. Admiral Frank Bradley on September 2, were deemed to be within his authority and compliant with the law. The White House stated that the strikes were in self-defense to safeguard U.S. interests, occurring in international waters and aligning with the law of armed conflict. These actions were taken against designated narco-terrorists.
Since September, the U.S. military has performed at least 19 strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coasts of Latin America, resulting in the deaths of at least 76 individuals. Concerns regarding the legality of these strikes have been raised, prompting both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to promise investigations.
The strikes have raised questions about potential war crimes, as international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on incapacitated combatants. Legal experts suggest that lethal force should only be used as a last resort in armed conflict scenarios. Critics, including the JAGs Working Group, have labeled the order for a second strike as illegal and called for accountability for those involved.
President Trump discussed the situation in Venezuela with senior advisers, including the possibility of U.S. military intervention. He suggested closing the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, causing uncertainty in Caracas. The Trump administration has been exploring strategies to counter alleged drug trafficking by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, though Maduro denies these allegations.
Despite the administration’s focus on combating drug flow into the U.S. as justification for the vessel strikes near Venezuela, Trump’s decision to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted for aiding drug traffickers, has sparked controversy. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine criticized the pardon as alarming and indicative of Trump’s attitude towards narco-trafficking.
The U.S. is reportedly considering various options in Venezuela, including potential regime change efforts and intensified military operations following a significant military buildup in the region. Covert CIA operations have also been authorized by Trump in the country.
