US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth under scrutiny over second deadly Venezuela boat strike | BBC News

Key Concepts

• US-Venezuela Relations: Tensions and allegations surrounding US military actions against suspected Venezuelan drug smugglers.
• Secretary of State Pete Hegsth: Accused of ordering a "kill everyone" strike against a Venezuelan drug smuggling vessel.
• War Crime Allegations: Concerns raised by some US politicians and former officers regarding the legality of the September 2nd strikes.
• White House Defense: The administration's stance that the strikes were legal and authorized.
• Nicolás Maduro: Venezuelan leader, labeled a "narco-terrorist" by the Trump administration, defiant against US pressure.
• Military Buildup: US deployment of a fleet to the Caribbean and speculation about further military action.
• Venezuelan Public Opinion: Divided support for Maduro, with some seeing US intervention as a potential solution.
• Opposition Leaders: Varying stances on US intervention, from full backing to cautious optimism.
• Trump's Strategic Dilemma: Balancing his "America First" foreign policy with pressure to act against Maduro.
• Hawkish Advisors: Influence of advisors like Secretary of State Marco Rubio on US policy towards Venezuela.

US-Venezuela Relations and the September 2nd Strike

The current US-Venezuela relationship is dominated by allegations that Secretary of State Pete Hegsth, in September, instructed the US military to eliminate all individuals on board a suspected Venezuelan drug smuggling vessel. Reports indicate Hegsth allegedly ordered a second air strike targeting survivors clinging to wreckage. This action has drawn criticism from some US politicians and former military officers who deem it a potential war crime. However, the White House maintains the legality of these strikes, with a spokesperson stating, "With respect to the strikes in question, on September 2nd, Secretary Hegsth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated."

Political Scrutiny and Calls for Action

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has voiced his party's concerns regarding the administration's Venezuela policy, noting that Republicans are also joining the call for scrutiny. Kaine stated, "We think the escalating pace and some of the recent revelations. So for example, the recent revelation about the kill everyone order apparently dictated by Secretary Hegse. We do believe that we will get more support for these motions when they are refiled." This increased scrutiny stems from the Trump administration's designation of Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, as a "narco-terrorist" and the subsequent deployment of a fleet to the Caribbean.

Maduro's Defiance and Public Support

Despite increasing US pressure, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro remains defiant. At a rally, he dismissed US actions, declaring, "We want peace, but peace with sovereignty, peace with equality, peace with freedom. We do not want a slaves peace, nor a peace with colonies. Colony never, slaves, never. Freedom, republic, peace with dignity. That's the peace." Maduro's appearance at a large rally in Caracas, where he was met with enthusiastic support, suggests an effort to galvanize Venezuelans amidst uncertainty. Reports of a plane associated with him heading to Brazil were dispelled by his public appearance.

Mimi Sue, a global affairs reporter with expertise in Latin America, notes that Maduro's defiance has emboldened him, creating a "perfect storm for speculation." She explains that Maduro is attempting to "cement himself in power" by rallying his supporters, especially given the presence of approximately 15,000 troops and significant military capability just outside Venezuela's borders, which he perceives as a direct threat.

US Perspective: Strike Legality and White House Response

Andrew Feinberg, White House correspondent for The Independent, highlights the ongoing questions surrounding the September strike. He points out that the administration has provided "no evidence" of the boat being involved in drug smuggling and "no basis for the strike other than the president's assertion that the US is in what he has called an armed conflict with drug cartels."

Feinberg also notes the White House's apparent strategy of deflecting responsibility onto Admiral Bradley, suggesting the admiral, who commanded the troops during the strike, gave the order that may constitute a war crime. He states, "The White House appears to be throwing a decorated Navy admiral, who commanded these troops during the strike under the bus, saying that it was the admiral who gave this order that may have been a war crime to fire on the survivors of the first drone strike on that alleged drug boat." The White House initially denied a second strike, calling it "made up and fake news," but later confirmed its occurrence without explicitly attributing the order to Hegsth.

Venezuelan Public Opinion and Opposition Stances

Regarding the public in Venezuela, Mimi Sue observes a polarization of support. Those who previously supported Maduro have had their loyalty "cemented," viewing the situation as an "us versus them" narrative where "Venezuelans are sticking together and Maduro is for Venezuela and Venezuelan people." Conversely, those against Maduro, particularly supporters of the opposition party led by María Corina Machado, see potential US military intervention as a positive development, believing it to be the "only way to potentially get him to step down from power."

However, there are differing views within the opposition. María Corina Machado has "fully backed Trump's actions," asserting that the "deadly attacks... are justified for the end goal here," which is Maduro's removal. Other opposition leaders are more cautious, suggesting that Maduro is "running out of options" regardless of his decision to stay or go, with no guarantee against imprisonment, extradition, or betrayal from the military.

Trump's Strategic Dilemma and Advisor Influence

Andrew Feinberg addresses President Trump's strategic dilemma, noting that public opinion polls indicate most Americans are against military intervention in Venezuela. Trump's past campaigns were built on a promise to avoid further foreign wars, creating a conflict with some of his supporters who question the "America First" principle in light of the military buildup in Venezuela.

Feinberg explains that Trump is in a "pickle" because he has "ramped up the pressure on Maduro" with potentially illegal boat strikes and is threatening further action, including ground troops, which would likely require Congressional approval. He suggests that this aggressive stance is partly influenced by a "very hawkish group of advisors," including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio, a former Senator from Florida with a significant Venezuelan expatriate constituency, is seen as potentially benefiting from Maduro's removal, which could enhance his prospects for a 2028 presidential run.

Conclusion

The situation between the US and Venezuela is characterized by escalating tensions, legal controversies surrounding US military actions, and a complex political landscape within Venezuela. The White House is defending its actions, while critics question their legality and potential for war crimes. Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro is leveraging the pressure to consolidate his power and rally domestic support, while the US administration faces a strategic dilemma influenced by both domestic political considerations and the advice of hawkish advisors. The outcome remains uncertain, with significant implications for both nations and the broader region.