In brief
In an escalation of military operations, the US Navy has conducted a second strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, which follows an earlier attack. The White House has defended the actions, stating they were legal and necessary against designated narco-terrorist groups. However, reports that survivors were targeted during the operations have raised serious concerns among lawmakers regarding the legality of these strikes under international law.
A top US Navy commander ordered a second round of military strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, the White House has confirmed.
Admiral (Frank) Bradley worked well within his authority and the law in ordering the additional strike, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.
Leavitt confirmed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the strikes but did not give an order to kill everybody as reported previously. The second strike took place after two individuals survived the first blast.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed serious concerns over the reports, with pledges for congressional reviews of the military strikes.
In her briefing, Leavitt reiterated the administration's position that the strikes are aimed at narco-terrorist targets and are in accordance with the laws of war.
However, the legality of targeting survivors has been called into question by multiple experts.
Venezuelan officials denounced the strikes and promised a thorough investigation, claiming that the US's actions are aimed at destabilizing the government.
The strikes are part of a broader US anti-narcotics operation in the Caribbean, which has resulted in over 80 fatalities since September.
With rising tensions, President Trump has suggested the possibility of deploying ground troops in Venezuela, adding pressure on the already strained relations between the two nations.
