Name: U.S. authorization of second strike of Venezuelan ship questioned
Uploaded: 2025-12-02T03:18:52.262Z
Duration: 2 min 41 s
Description: The White House confirmed it authorized a second airstrike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in September, but denied it ordered everyone on board be killed, which would be considered a war crime.

The White House confirmed it authorized a second airstrike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in September, but denied it ordered everyone on board be killed, which would be considered a war crime.

Washington

A U.S. military operation targeting an alleged Venezuelan drug boat has come under scrutiny after reports indicated the vessel was struck twice, with the second strike allegedly intended to kill survivors. The White House confirmed two strikes but denied that the intent was to kill survivors, stating the action was in self-defense and in accordance with the law of armed conflict.

The incident has prompted a bipartisan congressional review, with lawmakers seeking further evidence and testimony. Legal experts and some lawmakers have raised concerns about potential violations of human rights and possible extrajudicial killings, while the Defense Secretary and the White House have dismissed allegations of wrongdoing.

U.S. authorization of second strike of Venezuelan ship questioned

This is the alleged drug boat the American military struck not just once but twice. The reason why is under review and is raising alarms. According to a Washington Post report after the initial strike two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck. The second strike was needed to kill everyone. A verbal order allegedly made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. If the facts are as have been alleged that there was a second strike specifically to kill the survivors in the water that's a stone-cold war crime. You can't effectively just kill survivors who are no longer a threat to you. Good afternoon everybody. The White House confirmed two strikes but stopped short of saying it was to kill remaining survivors. The strike conducted on September 2nd was conducted in self-defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests. The strike was conducted in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict. And the White House denies Secretary Hegseth ordered everyone be killed. Hegseth dismissed the story as fake news. Saying it was fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory reporting. Defending himself with this social media post. A fake cover. Franklin targets narco-terrorists. That put American flags on this beloved Canadian children's character. It is the duty of the commander-in-chief to protect the homeland from that type of attacks. The U.S. has targeted multiple boats killing dozens of people it alleges are drug traffickers. It's part of a broader pressure campaign targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. At an OPEC conference, Maduro's allies said the U.S. is really after Venezuelan oil. Some of Trump's allies are rooting for regime change. Hoping American companies can get more involved in Venezuelan oil. I do know that everyone in the hemisphere from Argentina to Canada would love to deal with American companies including the Venezuelans. A bipartisan review of the strikes is now underway in Congress. Lawmakers seeking audio, video and even testimony. While Trump met with his national security team to consider his next moves. And Katie, we heard questions about this being a war crime. But that's just one legal concern here. Yeah, the White House has claimed it's at war with these drug traffickers. But some lawmakers and legal experts say it's not a sound argument. They see these strikes possibly as a violation of human rights laws. Possibly even extrajudicial killings. Katie Simpson in Washington tonight.

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