US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has again defended the US military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, asserting that President Donald Trump has the authority to take military action 'as he sees fit'. The comments come amid a massive US military build-up in the Caribbean and ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela.
Hegseth has defended the attacks on Venezuelan vessels as lawful, according to reports. The strikes have drawn increased international scrutiny, with critics questioning the legality and justification of the operations.
The US military has been conducting operations targeting boats suspected of drug trafficking, but the actions have raised concerns about sovereignty and the use of force in international waters. Venezuela has condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its territorial integrity.
The Pentagon has not provided detailed evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug cartels, leading to calls for greater transparency. The situation remains tense as the US continues to expand its military presence in the region.
