Congressional leaders now demand answers about Caribbean military strikes. They are immediately seeking a full investigation into recent operations. This follows a controversial report about Defense Secretary Hegseth. Therefore, key lawmakers from both parties express deep skepticism and concern. Furthermore, they consequently issued a stark warning to the administration.
The Washington Post published the initial report last Friday. Moreover, it alleged Hegseth gave an order to kill survivors. This followed a September strike on a suspected drug vessel. The account relies on unnamed individuals as sources. Pentagon officials however strongly denied the report’s central claim.
Senate Armed Services Committee leaders responded first. Chairman Wicker and Senator Reed issued a joint statement. They promised vigorous oversight into these serious circumstances. The lawmakers are now seeking a full accounting of events. They emphasized a bipartisan review of the operation’s facts.
House Armed Services Committee leaders similarly announced a probe. Chairman Rogers and Representative Smith made a parallel statement. Furthermore, they also take the reported strike details very seriously. The committee is consequently seeking a full explanation promptly. They stressed the importance of lawful military engagement always.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave some clarification. She confirmed a second strike order came from Admiral Bradley. Leavitt stated he acted completely within his authority. She denied Hegseth issued any verbal kill everybody directive. The administration maintains all actions followed armed conflict law.
Some Republican lawmakers publicly doubt the alleged kill order. Representative Bacon called the claim a clear legal violation. However, he expressed suspicion about the story’s basic plausibility. He believes Hegseth would not make such a foolish decision. Bacon argued the oversight committees are seeking a full truth.
Representative Turner echoed these serious legal concerns on Sunday. He agreed such an order would constitute an illegal act. Therefore, Turner noted Congress received no briefing on this allegation. He confirmed an ongoing investigation into the strikes continues. Turner stressed the gravity of the reported allegations immediately.
Defense Secretary Hegseth himself issued a forceful online denial. He labeled the newspaper report fabricated and inflammatory. Moreover, Hegseth stated all operations are lawful kinetic strikes. Every action complied with the law of armed conflict he said. Military lawyers up the chain approved all engagement decisions.
The September strike reportedly killed eleven suspected narcotics traffickers. U.S. forces have since conducted two dozen similar operations. These maritime strikes have killed roughly eighty individuals total. Furthermore, the administration links these groups to Venezuelan criminal organizations. Officials argue the action disrupts real narco-terrorist threats.
The escalated strikes increase pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro regime. President Trump recently warned airlines about Venezuelan airspace. However, this directive suggests a potential for expanded future operations. The administration views these cartels as major national security threats. Congressional oversight will now scrutinize every related action.
Ultimately, lawmakers stress the critical need for transparency. They are unequivocally seeking a full and complete investigation. in addition, the bipartisan probes aim to establish definitive factual records. After all, this oversight reflects core congressional responsibilities for military actions. The nation now awaits the investigations’ conclusive findings.
