READING, Pa. – A U.S. strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat near Venezuela and, according to multiple sources, a reported second strike that killed survivors has set off a political firestorm in Washington.
The controversy is growing in part because the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela, raising questions about the legal authority behind the operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the mission, saying the strikes are part of a broader effort to target drug-smuggling networks in the Caribbean.
“We’ve only just begun striking narco-boats… and putting narco-terrorists at the bottom of the ocean because they’ve been poisoning the American people,” Hegseth said during a recent Cabinet meeting.
Pennsylvania Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, who recently appeared in a viral video reminding service members they can refuse unlawful orders, says what’s emerging now highlights why that message was important.
“If you assume that this war is a legal war, that would be considered to be a war crime,” Houlahan, who represents parts of Berks and Chester counties, said. “If you assume that this is not a legal war, it’s a murder.”
Hegseth, however, maintains that the operation, including the decision to sink the boat, was lawful and carried out under proper command authority.
“Admiral Bradley made the correct decision to ultimately sink the boat and eliminate the threat…and it was the right call. We have his back,” he said.
Houlahan says the next step is ensuring full transparency.
“We don’t really know. We don’t have all the information now,” she said. “But what we have is Congress…the ability in Congress to provide oversight.”
Congressional committees in both chambers have now requested records, intelligence and any video of the strike as investigations move forward.