US lawmakers demand answers over Hegseth Venezuela boat strike claims

December 1, 2025

US lawmakers from both parties are demanding investigations into military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean after reports emerged that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered troops to "kill everybody" on board a boat, including survivors of an initial attack. The strikes, conducted in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia as part of anti-narcotics operations, have resulted in over 80 deaths since early September, with the Trump administration claiming self-defense justification. Congressional committees have announced bipartisan oversight efforts, with some lawmakers warning the alleged follow-up strike on survivors could constitute a war crime under international law.

Who is affected

More than 80 people killed in US strikes since early September (suspected drug traffickers)
Two survivors of the September 2nd boat strike who were allegedly targeted in a follow-up attack
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (subject of allegations)
US Special Operations commanders overseeing the operations
Venezuelan government and citizens
Republican and Democratic lawmakers conducting oversight
The Trump administration

What action is being taken

The Senate Armed Services Committee is conducting "vigorous oversight" and has directed inquiries to the Department of Defense
The House Armed Services Committee is taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation
Venezuela's National Assembly is carrying out a "rigorous and thorough investigation" into the accusations
The US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean and is carrying out strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats

Why it matters

This matters because the alleged follow-up strike to kill survivors raises serious questions about violations of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions, which forbid targeting wounded combatants who should instead be apprehended and cared for. If confirmed, the actions could constitute war crimes, undermining US credibility on human rights and international law. The strikes are occurring in international waters without clear legal authority, potentially violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea principles regarding non-interference with vessels in international waters. The situation also threatens to escalate tensions with Venezuela and sets concerning precedents for how the US conducts military operations under the justification of counter-narcotics efforts.

What's next

Congressional committees will continue gathering information and conducting oversight investigations
The Trump administration stated it "will look into" the matter
Venezuela's National Assembly will complete its investigation into the accusations

Read full article from source: BBC