Following reports of a deadly strike in the Caribbean against an alleged drug-running boat, bipartisan members of Congress are demanding answers and promising oversight into the operations. The controversy stems from reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed officials to kill survivors, leading to accusations of war crimes and calls for greater transparency. While some Republicans are defending the administration, others, including Senate leaders, are expressing concerns and calling for an investigation to determine whether ethical, moral, or legal codes were violated. Democrats are strongly condemning Hegseth’s actions, with some calling for his resignation or firing due to the severity of the alleged violations of the laws of war.
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Kelly says Senate will ‘put people under oath’ over reported follow-up strikes in Caribbean. That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? The core issue revolves around reported follow-up strikes in the Caribbean, and Senator Kelly is signaling a serious intent to investigate. The key phrase here is “put people under oath.” It’s a classic move, the Senate flexing its oversight muscles. The idea, presumably, is to get to the bottom of the matter, to uncover the truth of what happened and who was involved.
The promise of a Senate inquiry, especially one involving sworn testimony, is generally seen as a serious matter.… Continue reading
Senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed have announced they will conduct rigorous oversight of Caribbean strikes following reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the military to “kill everybody” on suspected drug vessels. The Senate committee has already directed inquiries to the Department of Defense regarding these alleged strikes, which have been part of Operation Southern Spear, and involved over 20 strikes since September resulting in over 80 deaths. The operation, aimed at stopping drug trafficking and eliminating “narco-terrorists,” has drawn criticism and calls for transparency, including demands from lawmakers for the release of unedited strike recordings.
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The Department of Defense, under Pete Hegseth, is reportedly requiring military officials involved in the Trump administration’s Caribbean strikes to sign non-disclosure agreements, even though existing rules already cover national security secrets. These strikes, which have resulted in at least 57 deaths since September, have drawn scrutiny and concerns from lawmakers and human rights groups. The administration defends these attacks as targeting drug traffickers, yet has been criticized for a lack of transparency, including withholding unedited footage and details about the victims. Hegseth has also taken steps to control information, including restricting press access and limiting communication between generals and Congress.
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Senator Rand Paul criticized recent military strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea, stating they violate U.S. tradition. He argued that the strikes, which have resulted in over 20 deaths, lack due process, as individuals are killed without identification or evidence of wrongdoing. Paul’s comments come after President Trump declared an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, justifying the strikes, a move that Paul views with skepticism. This follows a dispute between Paul and Vice President Vance regarding a military strike that Vance praised.
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The Trump administration, under the direction of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, has conducted a series of lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, with the latest occurring off the coast of Venezuela. These strikes, the fourth such incident since early September, have been met with condemnation from critics, including legal scholars and human rights groups, who argue the attacks violate international and federal law. Despite these criticisms, the administration has continued the attacks, claiming they target “narco-terrorists” and are vital for national security, even without providing definitive proof of drug trafficking. Legal experts and members of Congress have expressed alarm, pointing to the lack of legal justification and potential for abuse of power.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood