A Senator's Bold Claim: Was a Drug Strike a War Crime?

A U.S. senator has raised serious concerns about a recent military strike in the Caribbean, suggesting it might have been a war crime.

The Incident

• Operation: A strike in September targeted a suspected drug-trafficking boat.
• Controversy: Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) questioned whether the U.S. is at war with drug cartels, a claim he finds dubious.

Key Developments

• Orders: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of everyone on board and later a second strike to eliminate survivors.
• Criticism: Van Hollen called the orders unacceptable and criticized the lack of transparency.
• Defense: Hegseth defended the strikes on social media, accusing the media of spreading false information.
• Presidential Response: President Trump initially supported Hegseth but later expressed willingness to investigate and stated he would not have approved a second strike.

Bipartisan Reactions

• Lawmakers' Concerns: Both parties demand more information.
• Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE): Expressed disbelief that two individuals on a raft could pose an imminent threat and noted potential violations of the laws of war.

Broader Context

• Van Hollen's Stance: Vocal critic of the administration's Venezuela policies.
• Recent Action: Opposed the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans in the U.S.

Ongoing Debate

• Use of Military Force: Questions about the legality and ethics of targeting drug cartels.
• Uncertain Future: How the administration will respond to these criticisms remains unclear.