The United States has escalated military operations against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and around Venezuela, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denying accusations of unlawful orders to kill individuals on boats. Concurrently, former President Donald Trump declared the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela closed, signaling a significant increase in US military presence and operations in the region.

US Military Actions and Controversies
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly refuted claims that he ordered the killing of all individuals aboard drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. Reports from the Washington Post suggested that Hegseth directed military officials to execute strikes without regard for survivors. Hegseth labeled these reports as "fake news," asserting that the military actions were lawful under both US and international law. The Pentagon has conducted multiple strikes targeting drug smuggling boats, resulting in over 80 fatalities since September, with the majority of these operations attributed to the Trump administration.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has announced an investigation into these military strikes following the controversial reports. Senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed emphasized the need for oversight to ascertain the facts surrounding the operations. Hegseth defended the strikes, claiming they are aimed at dismantling drug-trafficking organizations, specifically targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which the administration has designated as a terrorist organization.

Trump's Airspace Closure Declaration
In a related development, Donald Trump announced via social media that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is now closed to all aircraft. He warned airlines, pilots, and traffickers to respect this closure, reflecting a heightened state of military readiness. The announcement comes amid ongoing US strikes against alleged drug boats and a military buildup in the region, which has raised concerns among international airlines about safety and security.

The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued a warning regarding the risks of flying over Venezuela due to escalating military activity. This warning resulted in six major international airlines losing their operating rights after suspending flights to the country. The Venezuelan government has condemned these actions, with President Nicolás Maduro accusing the US of seeking to destabilize his administration.

Escalating Tensions in Venezuela
The US military's focus in the region has shifted towards counter-narcotics operations, although the scale of military assets deployed suggests a broader strategic objective. Trump indicated that land operations against Venezuelan drug traffickers would commence soon, intensifying the already strained relations between the two nations. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has consistently denied allegations of his involvement in drug trafficking and has vowed to resist any US intervention.

Wrap-up
The recent developments highlight the increasing military engagement of the US in the Caribbean and Venezuela, raising questions about the legality and ethics of military operations targeting alleged drug traffickers. With investigations underway and military actions escalating, the situation remains fluid and complex.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team