The White House has defended the Pentagon’s actions regarding a controversial military strike on September 2, which targeted a vessel suspected of drug trafficking. In the wake of reports alleging that an order was given to “kill everybody” on board, the administration clarified its stance, asserting that the operation was lawful and necessary amid a severe opioid crisis in the United States.
According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, there were two strikes executed during the operation. She emphasized that the second strike was ordered by US Navy Admiral Frank Bradley, not by Hegseth, who has faced increased scrutiny following the report from the Washington Post. Leavitt reiterated that the president has authorized lethal actions against narco-terrorist groups as part of a broader military campaign in the region.
Leavitt stated, “The president has made it quite clear that if narco terrorists again are trafficking illegal drugs towards the United States, he has the authority to kill them and that’s what this administration is doing.” This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, which the government ties to national security.
The operation against suspected drug traffickers has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating that over 80 individuals have been killed. Critics have raised concerns regarding the legality of these actions, alleging that they may constitute extrajudicial killings. The military campaign has expanded to include targets in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and there are indications that President Donald Trump might contemplate strikes against land targets in Venezuela.
Bipartisan leaders from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have announced plans to investigate the reports related to the second strike. Leavitt noted that Hegseth had engaged with members of Congress who expressed concerns over the weekend, indicating awareness of the political ramifications surrounding the actions taken.
In a related development, President Trump is expected to convene his national security team to discuss future actions regarding Venezuela. The U.S. military has reportedly assembled substantial forces in the area, leading to speculation about a more extensive military intervention aimed at unseating Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization known as the Cartel de los Soles, which the U.S. designated as a foreign terrorist organization in November. Following the military actions, survivors of an October strike were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia. When asked whether U.S. policy regarding the treatment of survivors had changed, Leavitt responded, “Not to my knowledge, no.”
In late November, six Democratic members of Congress released a video reminding military personnel of their obligation to disobey unlawful orders, without specifying any particular directives. This prompted President Trump to accuse the lawmakers of sedition, suggesting that their actions could carry severe consequences.
In a further twist, Hegseth directed Navy Secretary John Phelan to investigate the conduct of Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut. Hegseth has proposed that Kelly could potentially face court-martial proceedings for his remarks.
The ongoing situation reflects the complexities of U.S. military engagement in the Western Hemisphere and raises essential questions about the limits of military authority and the legal frameworks governing such actions. As the administration navigates these challenges, the implications for U.S. foreign policy and domestic law are likely to be significant.
