According to two American officials, the U.S. military destroyed a boat off the coast of Venezuela with an initial strike, followed by a follow-up attack that killed those on board. The boat was under surveillance and appeared to turn toward shore before being struck, possibly by drones operated by Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The Trump administration has offered no evidence to support the assertion that the targeted individuals were “narcoterrorists,” and some officials, including Senator Rand Paul, have expressed concerns about the legality of the strike, given the lack of due process. A former State Department lawyer stated the U.S. is asserting the power to engage in the premeditated killing of people outside of armed conflict.
Read More
The U.S. military’s recent attack on a vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, is reminiscent of historical events used to justify interventionism in Latin America. The Trump administration claimed the operation targeted narco-trafficking, but provided ambiguous evidence, echoing the 1898 explosion of the USS Maine that led to the Spanish-American War. This action is viewed as a strategic move to project American strength, particularly in relation to Venezuela, and is supported by figures like Marco Rubio, who is seen as pushing the narrative. Critics argue this continues a pattern of using the “war on drugs” as a pretext for intervention, potentially destabilizing the region and targeting Latino communities in the U.S.
Read More
Masked ICE agents detaining a former Afghan interpreter who assisted the U.S. military – that’s the core of this whole messy situation, and it’s honestly infuriating. The fact that this individual, who legally immigrated and was in the process of getting a green card, was arrested during an appointment related to a program specifically designed to protect people who worked for U.S. forces… it’s a betrayal, plain and simple. It sends a chilling message to anyone considering helping the U.S. military in the future. Why would they? Why risk their lives and their futures if they know the U.S. might just turn around and throw them to the wolves?… Continue reading
A U.S. Marine has been sentenced to seven years in prison by a Japanese court for sexually assaulting a woman in Okinawa. The court found Lance Cpl Jamel Clayton guilty of attacking the victim, including choking her from behind and attempting sexual intercourse. This case adds to a pattern of sexual assault allegations against U.S. service members stationed in Okinawa, where a significant portion of U.S. forces in Japan are based. The sentencing comes amidst ongoing local opposition to U.S. bases, fueled by previous crimes committed by American personnel and concerns over noise and pollution.
Read More
Mexico Demands Investigation into U.S. Military-Grade Weapons Being Used by Drug Cartels
As I read the headline, “Mexico demands investigation into U.S. military-grade weapons being used by drug cartels,” I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and concern. This issue has far-reaching implications, not just for Mexico but for the entire region. It raises questions about the arms trade, corruption, and the role of both the United States and Mexico in combating drug cartels.
One of the key points mentioned in the comments is the connection between the U.S. government and the drug cartels. The infamous “Fast and Furious” scandal comes to mind, where weapons were sent over the border with the intention of tracking them, only for it to fail and the cartels to gain access to these military-grade weapons.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood