Lawmaker Calls for Release of Classified Footage from U.S. Strikes on Suspected Drug Boat Off Venezuela
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn) has urged that classified footage of U.S. strikes on a suspected drug smuggling boat off the coast of Venezuela be released publicly. The video reportedly shows two survivors clinging to a piece of wood as they near going under, raising questions about whether the targets were defenseless at the time of the attack.
The War Department has ordered over 20 strikes on small Caribbean boats involved in drug smuggling operations. Of these, only one is believed to have involved multiple attacks aimed at eliminating survivors. Himes emphasized that the public should have access to the video to better understand the U.S. military's use of force against drug runners.
In his remarks, Himes cited Adm. Frank Bradley as having faced pressure to carry out the strikes, describing Bradley as a person of integrity. Concurrently, House and Senate investigations into the strikes were initiated late last month. Senator Roger Wicker stated that the inquiry will be guided by the numbers involved and relevant evidence.
The strikes have drawn partisan reactions: Democrats condemned the administration's order for a second strike intended to eliminate survivors, while Republicans largely defended the actions as necessary against narco-traffickers who have been designated as terrorists by President Trump.
