Lawmakers across party lines in the United States have expressed their support for congressional oversight of the military operations directed by President Donald Trump against vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. This follows a report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered the killing of all crew members during a September 2 attack, a claim Hegseth has dismissed as “fake news.”
While some Republican lawmakers remain skeptical about the accuracy of the report, there are concerns about the potential legal implications of targeting survivors after an initial missile strike. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia described such actions as potentially constituting a war crime.
President Trump stated on Sunday that his administration would investigate the matter further, emphasizing that he would not have approved a second strike. He also defended Hegseth, affirming that Hegseth denied ordering the death of the crew members.
Republican Representative Mike Turner from Ohio highlighted the seriousness of any illegal acts that may have occurred, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations by the armed services committees in both the House and Senate. Turner emphasized that if such actions did take place, they would be considered illegal.
The ongoing concerns and discussions in Congress arise as the administration intensifies its efforts to combat drug trafficking into the U.S. President Trump recently declared that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered closed, sparking further questions about the U.S.’s stance towards Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Various lawmakers, including Senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed, along with Representatives Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, have pledged to conduct rigorous oversight to ascertain the facts surrounding these military operations. The House and Senate committees are actively investigating the incidents and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Regarding a reported call between President Trump and Maduro, Trump confirmed the communication but declined to provide details. The U.S. administration maintains that the strikes in the Caribbean are targeting cartels allegedly linked to Maduro, with considerations being made for potential strikes on the Venezuelan mainland. The Venezuelan government has not yet commented on the reported conversation between Trump and Maduro.