Hegseth says he has every authorization needed for Caribbean strikes By Reuters
Key Takeaways
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the U.S. military has authorization for strikes on drug-carrying vessels near Venezuela.
- The U.S. has conducted at least four lethal strikes in the Caribbean recently, killing four people in the latest incident.
- Legal experts and some lawmakers criticize the strikes, citing concerns over bypassing due process and lacking a clear legal basis.
- The administration cites the Constitution, war powers, and terrorist designations as justification, while critics question the military's role over the Coast Guard.
- Russia has condemned the strikes and voiced concern over potential U.S. escalation in the Caribbean.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in a Fox News interview that the military possesses all necessary authorization for strikes against vessels off the coast of Venezuela allegedly transporting illegal drugs, referencing recent lethal attacks in the Caribbean. Washington's legal justification rests on the Constitution, war powers, terrorist designations for cartels, and self-defense. However, legal experts and some lawmakers criticize these strikes, arguing that using the military in international waters against alleged criminals circumvents due process and established law enforcement norms. Critics also question the military's role over the U.S. Coast Guard, and Hegseth and President Trump have yet to provide public evidence supporting the drug claims. Trump recently informed Congress the U.S. is in a 'non-international armed conflict' with cartels, while simultaneously claiming the military buildup has successfully halted drug trafficking from South America. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has already condemned the strikes and expressed concern over potential U.S. escalation in the region.
