Trump Meets Rubio, Hegseth, Top Aides on Venezuela Crisis: Sources
President Donald Trump is set to meet with key government officials to discuss U.S. operations regarding the Venezuela crisis. This meeting will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Sources indicate that the meeting aims to finalize strategies in response to the ongoing pressure on the Maduro regime.
Key Meeting Details
The discussions come as the U.S. ramps up military involvement in the region. The White House is focusing on an anti-drug campaign that has involved significant military resources. President Trump has previously stated he communicated with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, stirring controversy around military actions taken against alleged drug trafficking operations.
Military Actions and Controversy
- Recent U.S. military operations have resulted in at least 80 fatalities during “Operation Southern Spear.”
- Concerns have been raised about an alleged order from Defense Secretary Hegseth to leave no survivors in strikes on drug-smuggling vessels.
- A second strike aimed at eliminating survivors from a previous attack has been reported, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers.
An investigation is underway to ascertain if these actions constitute war crimes, as per the comments from a working group of former military lawyers. They emphasized the necessity of treating those out of combat humanely, as mandated by the Geneva Conventions.
Political Reactions
In light of the military engagements, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has expressed grave concerns over the legality of U.S. actions. He indicated that the reported follow-up strike on a drug boat could amount to war crimes, violating both U.S. Department of Defense regulations and international laws.
Military Presence and Operations
In recent weeks, the U.S. has enhanced its military presence in the Caribbean and western Atlantic. A naval base in Puerto Rico has been reactivated to support these operations. The administration claims that its ultimate goal is to stem the influx of drugs into the United States.
As tensions escalate, the Trump administration faces mounting criticism regarding its military strategy in Venezuela. With decisions from the upcoming meeting expected to shape future actions, the situation remains fluid and controversial.
