Republican Senator Urges Release of Controversial Drug Strike Video

URGENT UPDATE: A key Republican senator has just announced his support for the release of a controversial video depicting a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of two survivors. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that the footage shows “nothing remarkable” and would not oppose its public disclosure if the Pentagon declassifies it.

The September 2, 2023, strike marks the beginning of a series of U.S. operations targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels near Venezuela. Over these operations, at least 87 individuals have been killed in 22 known strikes. Cotton’s remarks align him with both President Donald Trump and top Democrats who favor making the video public, amidst ongoing debates about the legality of military actions taken during these encounters.

During a closed session on Capitol Hill, Cotton revealed that he believes the two casualties were still threats, arguing, “That boat, its cargo … remained valid targets.” His comments come after a briefing from Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who ordered the follow-up attack that killed the survivors, raising significant legal and ethical questions among lawmakers.

The video’s release is pivotal as it has sparked strong reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, expressed his desire for transparency, stating, “I think it’s really important that this video be made public.” He emphasized that interpretations of the video have split along party lines, highlighting the contentious nature of military engagement in drug operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Saturday that officials are currently reviewing the footage, stating, “Whatever we were to decide to release, we’d have to be very responsible about it.” Trump has also indicated a willingness to release the video, saying, “Whatever they have we’d certainly release. No problem.”

Critics, including Representatives Adam Smith and Himes, who have viewed the video, dispute Cotton’s assessment of the survivors’ status during the attack. Himes remarked, “I have no doubt that these guys were involved in the running of drugs… But in that instance, these guys were about to die.” Smith echoed these sentiments, insisting that the survivors were incapacitated and posed no further threat.

Legal experts have raised alarms regarding the potential violation of military warfare laws, emphasizing that firing upon defenseless individuals could contravene international guidelines. Questions remain about whether the U.S. is in an official armed conflict with Venezuela, further complicating the legal implications of these military actions.

As inquiries continue and bipartisan concern mounts, lawmakers are closely monitoring the situation. The Pentagon’s protocols dictate strict engagement rules, particularly in scenarios involving survivors of prior attacks. The fate of the video could heavily influence public perception and policy surrounding U.S. military operations against drug trafficking.

Stay tuned as this story develops and further updates on the Pentagon’s decision regarding the video’s release unfold. The implications for military law and national security are significant, making this an urgent issue for both lawmakers and the American public.