US Military Strikes Boat Off Venezuela, Killing Four in Latest Caribbean Operation
The US military has carried out another airstrike in the Caribbean, this time targeting a small boat off Venezuela's coast. The strike, ordered by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, resulted in the deaths of four men, whom Hegseth described as 'narco-terrorists'. The vessel was suspected of trafficking narcotics.
The strike, captured on video, showed the boat exploding and catching fire. President Donald Trump claimed the boat was carrying enough drugs to kill 25 to 50 thousand people and implied it was entering American territory.
The strike has drawn criticism from some quarters. Republican Senator Rand Paul questioned the policy of striking boats without knowing who's on board. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the US of committing 'murder' and urged victims' families to 'join forces'.
This is the fourth deadly strike in the Caribbean since President Trump asserted presidential war powers to combat drug traffickers as unlawful combatants. The Trump administration has justified these strikes, claiming a non-international armed conflict with designated terrorist organisations. However, specific details about the affiliations of those killed in the latest strike remain unclear.
The US Navy's presence in the Caribbean has been significant, with eight warships and over 5000 sailors and Marines. Senator Jim Risch supported the president's authority to go after cartels without further congressional authorisation.
The latest strike has reignited debate over the use of military force against drug traffickers. While some support the president's actions, others question the legality and morality of such strikes. The families of those killed have been left seeking answers and justice.
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