U. S. Leaders Discuss Venezuela Strategy Amid Controversial Actions

President Trump is set to meet with key advisors to discuss the U. S. approach to Venezuela. This includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The focus is on the ongoing pressure against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government. Trump has recently spoken with Maduro. Meanwhile, the U. S. has increased its military presence in the region. This is part of an anti-drug campaign targeting groups the U. S. considers terrorists. The State Department has labeled Maduro himself as a terrorist. The meeting comes as Trump threatens military action and faces scrutiny over recent strikes on suspected drug boats. The Washington Post reported that Hegseth ordered no survivors in the first strike. This led to a second strike, killing survivors. Critics argue this could be a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. A group of former military lawyers has called for Congress to investigate. They say the strikes may violate laws of war. These laws require humane treatment of wounded or captured enemies. The U. S. claims to have killed 80 people in these operations, targeting narco-terrorists. Trump has expressed confidence in Hegseth but said he would not have wanted the second strike. He also warned that Venezuelan airspace is now off-limits. Venezuela accuses the U. S. of undermining its sovereignty. The U. S. says it aims to stop drug smuggling, while Venezuela believes Trump wants Maduro out. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has also weighed in. He said the second strike, if true, could be a war crime. He argued it violates both U. S. and international law. The U. S. has moved military ships to the region and reopened a naval base in Puerto Rico.