Retired General on Trump's Drug War Strikes and Venezuela Strategy

Legality of Military Strikes

• ⚠️ Second strikes aimed at killing survivors who pose no threat are illegal according to the Pentagon's law of war manual.
• ⚖️ While Admiral Bradley had the authority to carry out operations, the ultimate responsibility rests with the president and secretary of defense.
• 📜 The military's directive is to apprehend non-combatants, not kill them, as demonstrated by past counter-piracy operations.

Allegations of Concealment

• 📰 The suggestion that the military collectively conspired to keep information about strikes from the president and public is unbelievable.
• 🔍 An inquiry is necessary to get the facts out rather than relying on media spin.
• 🚫 Orders to fire upon shipwrecked individuals are clearly illegal, with historical precedent of prosecuting such actions.

Trump's Expanded Drug War Strategy

• 🎯 President Trump's intention to expand strikes to drug labs and clandestine airports in Venezuela is discussed.
• 🚢 The large military deployment off the coast of Venezuela is seen by some as more than just a fight against drug boats, potentially indicating regime change.
• 🗺️ Venezuela is considered the epicenter for narco-traffic heading to the U.S. and a hub for malign actors.

Diplomatic and Military Coercion

• ✈️ Future land strikes are expected to be conducted by drones or aircraft, not American troops on the ground.
• 🤝 The significant military presence is viewed as coercive diplomacy, aiming to pressure Maduro to leave office.
• 🚫 It is unlikely that the amassed pressure and demands will be ignored by Maduro without further action.