This article details a highly controversial situation involving the US military’s “Operation Southern Spear” in the Caribbean,accusations against Venezuelan President Maduro,and allegations of war crimes committed by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1.US accusations Against Venezuela & Maduro:
* The US accuses Maduro of “narcoterrorism” and leading the “Suns cartel,” a network of corrupt officials within the Venezuelan government and military involved in drug trafficking.
* The US doesn’t recognize Maduro as the legitimate president, citing irregularities in Venezuelan elections (notably 2023).
* The fight against drug trafficking is the stated justification for the notable US military presence in the Caribbean.
2. “Operation Southern Spear” & Escalation:
* As September 2nd, US forces have conducted at least 21 attacks on suspected drug boats in international waters, resulting in at least 83 deaths.
* The inclusion of the “Suns cartel” on the US list of foreign terrorist organizations is presented as providing justification for expanding operations into Venezuelan territory.
3. Allegations of War Crimes & the “Kill Them All” Order:
* The Washington Post alleges that Secretary of Defense Hegseth ordered a second attack on a drug boat after survivors were seen clinging to wreckage, giving the order “kill them all.”
* The first attack left 11 on board, two survived.
* Admiral Frank Bradley, head of Special Operations Command, allegedly carried out the order, claiming it was for “self-defense” and in compliance with the laws of armed conflict.
* However, the Pentagon’s own manual cites attacking shipwrecked people as a situation where a superior’s order should be rejected.
* Bradley reportedly justified the second attack by suggesting survivors could alert other traffickers.
4. Responses & Denials:
* Pentagon spokesperson Leavitt claims Hegseth is not responsible and that Bradley acted within his authority. Leavitt fails to justify the legality of the second attack under the laws of armed conflict.
* Hegseth and Trump deny the allegations. Hegseth even posted a seemingly flippant image on social media referencing the attacks.
* Trump’s response is ambiguous, initially stating he “wouldn’t have wanted that” (a second attack) but then deferring to Hegseth’s denial.
Key Players:
* Nicolás Maduro: Venezuelan President, accused of narcoterrorism.
* Pete hegseth: US Secretary of defense, accused of ordering war crimes.
* Donald Trump: US President, offering a mixed response to the allegations.
* Marco Rubio: US Senator, a strong advocate for a hardline policy towards Venezuela.
* Admiral Frank Bradley: Head of Special Operations Command, allegedly ordered the second attack.
the article paints a picture of a highly aggressive US military operation, fueled by accusations of drug trafficking and political illegitimacy, and potentially involving serious violations of the laws of war. The conflicting accounts and denials raise significant questions about accountability and the justification for the escalating violence in the Caribbean.
