Summary
Legal experts have expressed concerns about the legality of a second U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan boat suspected of drug trafficking, suggesting it might be considered illegal under international law. The Trump administration has defended the strike, stating it was necessary and lawful under the law of armed conflict.
Key Facts
- The U.S. military conducted a second strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat on September 2.
- The Trump administration stated the strike was authorized by War Secretary Pete Hegseth and ordered by Admiral Frank Bradley.
- Nine people died in the initial strike, and two survivors were killed in the second strike.
- President Trump posted a 29-second clip of the first strike on his Truth Social platform.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the operation aimed to eliminate the threat entirely.
- Legal experts argue the second strike may be illegal under international law, calling it an extrajudicial killing.
- Democratic Representative Jim Himes noted survivors of the second strike were carrying drugs but unable to continue their mission.
- Admiral Bradley reportedly stated in a briefing that he didn't see survivors during the second strike.
