Pentagon Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Caribbean Strikes

The Pentagon is under scrutiny following reports that a second military strike was ordered on a boat in the Caribbean, despite evidence suggesting that survivors were present. The incident occurred on September 2, 2023, near the coast of Trinidad, and involved the U.S. military’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. According to an Associated Press report, the initial strike resulted in the deaths of all 11 individuals on board, but a subsequent attack reportedly targeted survivors clinging to debris from the first strike.

Questions have arisen regarding the decision-making process behind the strikes, with Pete Hegseth, the head of the Pentagon, becoming a focal point of criticism. Although it remains unclear who specifically ordered the second strike, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Hegseth was not directly responsible for the command to “kill everybody.” Instead, she indicated that Admiral Frank Bradley acted within his authority to call for the follow-up attack.

In response to the backlash, Hegseth defended both himself and Admiral Bradley, describing accusations against them as “fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.” He expressed his full support for Bradley, referring to him as “an American hero, a true professional” in a post on social media platform X.

As the U.S. military continues its operations in the Caribbean and Pacific, it has faced significant criticism both domestically and internationally. Since the September attack, the military has reportedly struck at least 22 boats, resulting in over 70 fatalities, as detailed in documents obtained by the Washington Post. Lawmakers from both major political parties have raised concerns about the legality and ethics of these operations, calling for a congressional review of military actions against alleged drug trafficking vessels.

Despite the controversy, the Trump administration maintains that these strikes are part of a broader strategy to engage in “armed conflict” against drug cartels. Critics argue that this approach lacks Congressional authorization and raises ethical questions regarding the use of lethal force in drug enforcement operations.

The U.S. military’s actions have also drawn ire from Latin American nations, particularly from Venezuela, whose President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the strikes. The Venezuelan government has been vocal in its opposition to U.S. interventions, viewing them as direct threats to national sovereignty.

As the situation unfolds, the Pentagon’s decision-making and the broader implications of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean will likely remain in the spotlight, prompting ongoing discussions about military engagement and drug enforcement policies.