Key Takeaways:
- A reported U.S. follow-on strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean earlier this year may have risen to the level of a war crime if true
- The strike allegedly involved a verbal order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to leave no survivors, which is a violation of international and domestic laws
- The incident has sparked calls for investigation and condemnation from lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia
- The U.S. has carried out close to two dozen boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean since the first strike on September 2
- Lawmakers are seeking answers to questions about the strikes, including evidence that the targets were indeed narco-traffickers and the legal rationale for the strikes
Introduction to the Incident
The recent report of a U.S. follow-on strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from lawmakers. According to the report, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a verbal order to leave no survivors, which is a clear violation of international and domestic laws. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia stated that if the reporting is true, it "rises to the level of a war crime." Kaine’s comments came during an appearance on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," where he emphasized the need for Congress to investigate the incident and hold the administration accountable.
The Legal Implications
The reported follow-on strike is a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting civilians or members of the armed forces who are wounded. The conventions also require that the wounded be "collected and cared for." A group of former military lawyers has outlined an assessment that the reported second strike would be a violation of international or domestic law. The leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services committees have pledged to investigate the reported follow-on strike, and lawmakers are seeking answers to questions about the strikes, including evidence that the targets were indeed narco-traffickers and the legal rationale for the strikes.
Congressional Response
Sen. Kaine has been a vocal critic of the administration’s actions in the Caribbean, and has twice tried to pass war powers resolutions aimed at preventing the president from conducting strikes against Venezuela. Kaine has earned support from two Republicans, and believes that the circumstances have changed since the last vote, making it more likely that he will get more support for the motions when they are refiled. Rep. Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican who sits on the Armed Services Committee, also appeared on "Face the Nation" Sunday, stating that Congress does not have information that the reported follow-on strike occurred, but if it did, it would be a serious and illegal act.
Escalating Tensions with Venezuela
The incident has also highlighted the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. President Trump recently posted on Truth Social that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered "CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," which has raised concerns about potential military action. Kaine stated that if there is ground action, the numbers in the Senate would change, and he would move "immediately" on a war powers resolution. The administration has increased pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with signs that military action, including possible ground action, could be imminent.
Call for Accountability
The reported follow-on strike has sparked a call for accountability from lawmakers, with many demanding that the administration provide evidence and justification for the strikes. Kaine emphasized that it’s time for Congress to rein in a president who is deciding to wage war on his own say-so, which is not what the Constitution allows. The incident has also raised questions about the administration’s commitment to upholding international and domestic laws, and the need for transparency and accountability in military operations. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the growing criticism and calls for investigation.
