A Senator's Bold Claim: Was a Drug Strike a War Crime?

A U. S. senator has raised serious questions about a recent military operation in the Caribbean. The strike, which took place in September, targeted a suspected drug-trafficking boat. Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland suggested that this action might have been a war crime. His argument hinges on whether the U. S. is indeed at war with drug cartels, a claim he finds dubious. The senator's comments came after reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of everyone on board the boat. A second strike was later carried out to eliminate two survivors. Van Hollen criticized Hegseth's orders, calling them unacceptable and based on a flimsy legal argument. He also questioned the administration's lack of transparency regarding the evidence supporting their actions. Hegseth defended the strikes on social media, describing them as necessary to combat drug trafficking. He accused the media of spreading false information. President Trump initially supported Hegseth but later expressed willingness to investigate the matter. The president also stated that he would not have approved a second strike. Lawmakers from both parties have called for more information about the incident. Rep. Don Bacon from Nebraska expressed disbelief that two individuals on a raft could pose an imminent threat. He also noted that such actions could violate the laws of war. Van Hollen has been vocal about the administration's policies towards Venezuela. Recently, he joined other lawmakers in opposing the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans in the U. S. He argued that this decision goes against congressional intent and bipartisan precedent. The senator's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the use of military force against drug cartels. They also raise questions about the legal and ethical implications of such actions. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to these criticisms.