Pentagon Admits Ignorance in Deadly Venezuelan Boat Strikes

Unacknowledged Fatalities in Venezuelan Strikes

• 🎯 The Pentagon has informed Congress that it does not know the identities of individuals killed in lethal kinetic strikes on boats off the coast of Venezuela.
• ⚖️ These actions are criticized as summarily executing individuals suspected of drug running, a practice that violates international and domestic law.
• ⚠️ The strikes are compared to actions by former Philippine President Duterte, who faces charges at the ICC for similar extrajudicial killings.

Legal Loopholes and "Endless War"

• 📜 For over 20 years, presidents have used the post-9/11 legal framework to justify wars and drone strikes without congressional approval, a practice criticized by Senator Rand Paul.
• 🔁 This legal precedent, established under administrations from Obama to Trump, allows for unfettered presidential power to conduct strikes, leading to a state of "endless war."
• 🇺🇸 The US is characterized as one of the world's leading perpetrators of state violence due to this posture.

Bipartisan Hypocrisy and Geopolitical Motives

• 🎭 The segment highlights bipartisan hypocrisy, noting that Democrats rightly condemn Trump's actions but often forget or ignore similar actions taken by President Obama.
• 💰 The strikes are framed not as a fight against drugs (fentanyl originates from Mexico, not Venezuela), but as an economic and military hit job aimed at undermining Venezuela's government and seizing its resources, particularly oil and minerals.
• 🗣️ The actions are seen as a betrayal of Donald Trump's campaign promises against "wars of choice" and regime change.

Lack of Evidence and Accountability

• 🔍 Pentagon officials stated they do not need to positively identify individuals on vessels to conduct strikes, only prove a connection to smuggling.
• ❓ This lack of identification and evidence means that even survivors of attacks cannot be prosecuted, as demonstrated by the release of two individuals from a bombed fishing boat.
• 🏛️ Critics argue that even if Congress authorized such a campaign, it would remain unlawful due to extrajudicial killings without sufficient evidence.

Historical Precedents and International Law

• ✈️ Past administrations, including Obama's, are noted for extensive drone strikes and extrajudicial killings, even of American citizens and their children, often justified by alleged sympathy to terrorists.
• 🌍 The US, along with countries like the UK, France, and Israel, is labeled as a major perpetrator of state terrorism.
• 📢 The lack of transparency and accountability in these operations is a significant concern, with congressional briefings leaving Democrats unsatisfied and concerned about constitutional peril.