U. S. Leaders Discuss Venezuela Strategy Amid Controversial Actions

Key Advisors Involved

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Focus of the Meeting

• Pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government
• Recent military actions and their implications

Recent Developments

• Trump has spoken with Maduro
• Increased U. S. military presence in the region
• Anti-drug campaign targeting groups labeled as terrorists
• State Department labels Maduro as a terrorist

Controversial Strikes

• First strike ordered by Hegseth with "no survivors"
• Second strike kills survivors
• Critics argue it could be a war crime under the Geneva Conventions
• Former military lawyers call for Congressional investigation
• U. S. claims to have killed 80 people in operations

Trump's Statements

• Expresses confidence in Hegseth but criticizes second strike
• Warns Venezuelan airspace is now off-limits
• Venezuela accuses U. S. of undermining sovereignty

Political Reactions

• Democratic Senator Tim Kaine calls second strike a potential war crime
• U. S. moves military ships to the region
• Reopens naval base in Puerto Rico