GOP Senators Urge Pentagon to Declassify Video Footage of Recent Pacific Strikes
In the wake of recent U.S military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Pacific, GOP senators have urged the Pentagon to release unedited footage of the operations. The strikes, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several supposed narco-terrorists, have sparked international debate and criticism.
Background of the Strikes
The United States Southern Command conducted multiple lethal kinetic strikes
on vessels it claimed were operated by designated terrorist organizations and engaged in drug trafficking. The operations were part of the Trump administration's Operation Southern Spear, aimed at countering narco-terrorism in international waters. The strikes, which occurred in September and December, reportedly resulted in the deaths of between four and eight individuals per operation.
Controversy Surrounds the Operations
Despite the Pentagon's assertions, the legitimacy of the operations has been questioned. The administration has yet to provide evidence proving the vessels were indeed involved in drug trafficking, as reported by Le Monde. Critics, including human rights organizations, have condemned the strikes as extrajudicial executions, with the family of a Colombian victim filing a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Call for Transparency
In response to the controversy, Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn have encouraged the Pentagon to release footage of the strikes. My default is always for more transparency, because if you don't release it, then there's more conspiracy theories and people wondering about why you're hiding it,
said Cornyn.
However, War Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the Department of War would adhere to long-standing
policy and refrain from releasing a top secret full unedited video
of the strike to the public. Hegseth did confirm that appropriate
congressional committees would see the footage.
Implications and Reactions
The strikes have not only sparked national debate but have also escalated international tensions, particularly with Venezuela. Al Jazeera English reported that the strikes have brought the death toll to nearly 100 from U.S strikes on vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, further exacerbating the ongoing standoff with Venezuela.
Current Status
As of now, the video footage remains classified, and the Pentagon maintains its stance on the strikes as necessary actions against narco-terrorism. The debate continues, with the Trump administration facing scrutiny over its handling of drug trafficking and foreign relations. Amid calls for transparency, the question remains whether the classified footage will shed light on the operations or further fuel the controversy.