US Lawmakers Probe Venezuela Boat Strike Allegations

US lawmakers are demanding answers from the Trump administration regarding reports of a second US military strike on a Venezuelan boat suspected of drug smuggling, after an initial attack left survivors. The Washington Post reported that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered 'kill everybody' on board, prompting a second strike. Hegseth and President Trump have denied the allegations, with Trump stating he 'believed him 100%'. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns over the legality of the strikes, with some calling it a potential 'war crime'. The US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, conducting lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, killing over 80 people since early September.

The article discusses the recent departures of two top military officials, which CNN's Jake Tapper notes follows scrutiny around the legal justification of lethal strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. A Washington Post report stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered to 'kill everybody' on one of the strikes. The article also touches on other news stories, including a Tennessee Democratic candidate's response to controversial comments, Senator Mark Kelly's views on the Venezuelan boat strikes, and other political news.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns over a follow-up military strike on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean, which killed survivors of an initial attack. The strike, carried out on September 2, brought the total death toll to 11. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the military to ensure the strike killed everyone on board, but it's unclear if he knew there were survivors. The Senate and House armed services committees have pledged to conduct 'vigorous oversight' into the matter. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Kaine and Sen. Mark Kelly, have suggested that the strike could be considered a war crime if the reports are true.