🇺🇸 Intensifying Controversy Over Deadly Caribbean Strike
A US Navy admiral has come under heavy pressure after ordering a second strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug-trafficking boat, an action now facing bipartisan scrutiny in Washington.
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| 🔥 US Faces Legal Backlash After Second “Double Tap” Strike on Venezuelan Drug Boat🔥 US Faces Legal Backlash After Second “Double Tap” Strike on Venezuelan Drug Boat |
The September 2 “double tap” attack reportedly hit survivors who were still clinging to the burning vessel—an allegation that has ignited fresh concerns about the legality of US military operations in the Caribbean.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that both Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Admiral Frank Bradley were involved in authorizing the mission but strongly denied claims that anyone ordered troops to “kill everybody” onboard.
⚠️ 80+ Killed in Similar Strikes — But Evidence Remains Sparse
According to US officials, more than 80 people have died in comparable operations since early September.
Each announcement is typically paired with low-quality footage of explosions—yet the US has offered no public proof of drug trafficking, nor transparent details about who was onboard the destroyed vessels.
Trump officials insist these operations are acts of self-defense, targeting boats linked to “narco-terrorist networks.”
Both Republicans and Democrats have demanded detailed congressional reviews of the September 2 incident.
⚖️ Legal Questions Mount as Lawmakers Demand Answers
Concerns spiked after media reports suggested Hegseth once ordered the killing of all individuals on board during a similar mission—claims he called “fabricated and inflammatory.”
Nevertheless, lawmakers in both chambers say they will:
- Interview the admiral who oversaw the mission
- Review audio and video recordings
- Examine the legality of the strike
The Senate and House Armed Services Committees have already begun bipartisan investigations into US operations in the region.
🌎 Experts Warn of Possible Violations of International Law
International law analysts told the BBC that the second strike—if survivors were no longer able to fight—could breach protections for:
- Shipwrecked sailors
- Wounded combatants
- Individuals rendered hors de combat (unable to continue fighting)
Under the Geneva Conventions, such people must not be targeted and should instead be captured and given medical care.
The Obama administration previously faced similar criticism over drone “double tap” strikes that caused civilian casualties.
🇻🇪 Venezuela Condemns US Actions and Accuses Washington of Escalation
The Venezuelan National Assembly has vowed its own “rigorous investigation” into the September attack, accusing the US of escalating tensions to destabilize President Nicolás Maduro's government.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab said Trump’s comments reflect “envy” of Venezuela’s natural resources and called for direct talks to end the “toxic atmosphere” between both countries.
Trump recently pressured Maduro during a phone call to resign and leave Venezuela, reportedly offering safe passage to any destination of his choosing.
Maduro refused, insisting on amnesty for his aides and continued control of the military—demands that Trump rejected.
US officials also continue to allege Maduro is tied to the Cartel of the Suns, a supposed drug-trafficking network deeply embedded within Venezuela’s security forces—allegations Maduro denies.
🔍 What Happens Next?
With rising military activity, legal uncertainties, and political tensions, the US–Venezuela standoff appears far from resolved.