Defense Secretary Hegseth Denounces Reports on U.S. Military Strikes in Caribbean

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed recent media reports alleging misconduct in U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean Sea. In a statement on X, Hegseth criticized the reports as "fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory," asserting that they aim to discredit military efforts to protect the homeland.

Hegseth emphasized that the strikes are "lethal, kinetic" operations intended to halt drug trafficking, destroy narcotics-carrying boats, and eliminate individuals involved in these activities. He stated that each trafficker targeted is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.

Addressing concerns about the legality of these operations, Hegseth affirmed that current actions in the Caribbean comply with both U.S. and international law, adhering to the law of armed conflict and receiving approval from military and civilian legal advisors.

President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, indicating that the U.S. will soon begin targeting suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers by land, aiming to prevent the influx of narcotics into the United States.