Lawmakers Demand Urgent Review of Trump’s Caribbean Strikes

UPDATE: A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has just announced their support for congressional reviews of military strikes targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. This urgent call follows a shocking report indicating that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered follow-up strikes on survivors of an initial missile attack on September 2, raising serious legal and ethical questions.

The report, published by the Washington Post, claims Hegseth issued a verbal directive for all crew members to be killed during the strike. Lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), warned that if true, such actions could constitute a war crime. “This rises to the level of a war crime if it’s true,” Kaine stated emphatically, highlighting the gravity of the accusations.

Responding to inquiries about the follow-up strike, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) acknowledged Congress lacks comprehensive information on the incident. He stressed that any unlawful action would be a significant concern, stating, “Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act.”

As the administration intensifies its campaign against drug trafficking, President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that the airspace over Venezuela should be “closed in its entirety.” This declaration drew sharp criticism from the Venezuelan government, which labeled it a “colonial threat.”

Senior congressional leaders, including Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), announced a commitment to conducting “vigorous oversight” to uncover the truth behind these allegations. In a joint statement, they emphasized the need for transparent investigations into the military operations in the Caribbean.

The House Armed Services Committee also pledged to thoroughly scrutinize the Department of Defense’s actions. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) stated, “We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question.”

In light of the serious implications surrounding these military actions, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) expressed the importance of allowing Hegseth a chance to present his side, stating, “We should get to the truth.” He voiced skepticism regarding the allegations, noting that such orders would contradict the law of war.

The urgency of this issue is underscored by the potential legal ramifications and the growing tension between the U.S. and Venezuela. As investigations unfold, the eyes of Congress and the public remain firmly fixed on the developments surrounding these military operations.

This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding this crucial matter.