Hegseth Defends Ongoing Military Strikes near Venezuela

U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has defended the ongoing military strikes near Venezuela, criticizing media reports that he says are false and inflammatory. Hegseth argues that these reports aim to delegitimize the actions of American soldiers who are undertaking operations against narco-terrorists and drug-trafficking networks. He stresses that the strikes are intentional, aimed at halting the drug trade, and are in accordance with both U.S. and international law. Hegseth further criticized the Biden administration for its leniency toward cartels and unregulated individuals, leading to an increase in drugs and violence within U.S. communities. The recent strikes, which have resulted in the death of at least 80 people, most of them Venezuelans, underline the U.S.’s hardened military posture in the Caribbean. Hegseth concluded by pledging his unwavering support for the soldiers risking their lives in these operations.