Lawmakers Challenge Hegseth Over Alleged War Crimes in Venezuela

Congressman Jason Crow and five Democratic colleagues, all with military and intelligence backgrounds, recently released a video urging U.S. troops to refuse any orders that might violate the law or the Constitution. Critics quickly labeled the message as ambiguous, suggesting it implied that illegal orders were being given without providing specific examples. This criticism gained weight after a report from The Washington Post unveiled an incident that raised serious questions about compliance with international law.

On September 2, 2023, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly commanded a military strike that resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals, including two survivors who were clinging to wreckage after the initial attack. The act of firing upon shipwrecked combatants violates both the Geneva Conventions and the Department of Defense’s own Law of War Manual. In response to the allegations, Hegseth dismissed the claims as “fake news,” while emphasizing a narrative that positioned the military as decisive against threats, stating, “Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.”

The incident has drawn the attention of the U.S. House and Senate Armed Services Committees, which have launched investigations. Lawmakers are now faced with the challenge of examining the broader implications of this military action. While the Department of Defense maintains that these individuals were “narco-terrorists,” this classification does not exempt them from military rules of engagement. The absence of a formal declaration of war against Venezuela further complicates the justification for such lethal actions.

Beyond the legal ramifications, the human cost of these strikes is becoming increasingly evident. Families of victims are now coming forward, including the relatives of a Colombian fisherman killed in the attack. They have lodged a formal complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, asserting that he was the primary provider for a family of six. The challenge of obtaining evidence for guilt or innocence post-strike raises significant ethical concerns surrounding military operations.

As Congress prepares for hearings concerning Hegseth’s controversial remarks, there are pressing questions about the administration’s approach to drug trafficking and military engagement. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly intercept drugs and arrest smugglers, ensuring due process is followed. Contrast this with the case of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was extradited to the U.S. and convicted for drug trafficking but received a pardon from former President Donald Trump earlier this week.

Lawmakers are urged to investigate why low-level suspects face lethal force without due process while high-profile traffickers may evade justice. Furthermore, they should clarify whether Hegseth intends to extend military operations into Venezuelan territory, as hinted in recent statements by Trump.

As the situation unfolds, it remains critical for the Armed Services Committees to ensure that military actions align with established legal standards and respect human rights. The outcome of these investigations will likely influence the future conduct of U.S. military operations and the administration’s stance on international law.