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Lawmakers skeptical of alleged Hegseth kill orders in Venezuela — but issue stark warning

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Top Armed Services lawmakers are launching inquiries into the Trump administration’s lethal strikes in the Caribbean following a Washington Post report alleging that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered U.S. forces to kill anyone who survived a Sept. 2 strike on an alleged narcotics vessel.

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«We will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances,» Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and ranking member Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in a joint statement. 

House Armed Services Committee leaders announced a parallel review, saying they are seeking «a full accounting» of the operation.

GOP LAWMAKERS RALLY BEHIND TRUMP’S VENEZUELA STRIKES AS CRITICS QUESTION LEGALITY

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«We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region,» said Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, D-Wash. 

They said the committee is pursuing bipartisan oversight.

The Washington Post report, published Friday, cites unnamed individuals who claim Hegseth «gave a spoken directive» to «kill everybody» aboard a vessel U.S. intelligence believed was carrying narcotics in the Caribbean Sea. A Joint Special Operations commander overseeing that Sept. 2 mission «ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions» once two survivors were seen in the water after the initial blast, according to the report. 

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U.S. forces have killed 80 in narco-strikes in the Caribbean.  (@SecWar via X)

Fox News has not independently verified the Post’s reporting.

Some lawmakers cast doubt on the account and stressed they have not been briefed on any order resembling what was described.

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Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force brigadier general who has criticized Pentagon leadership on unrelated issues, said he is skeptical such an order would have been issued.

RUBIO PROMISES MORE STRIKES ON VENEZUELAN CARTELS: ‘WE’RE NOT GOING TO SIT BACK ANYMORE’

«Secretary of Defense Hegseth denies it. We should get to the truth,» Bacon said on ABC. «I don’t think he would be foolish enough to make this decision to say, ‘Kill everybody, kill the survivors,’ because that’s a clear violation of the law of war. So, I’m very suspicious that he would’ve done something like that because it would go against common sense.»

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Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, the former House Intelligence Committee chairman, made a similar point Sunday.

«If that occurred, that would be very serious, and I agree that would be an illegal act,» he said on CBS, adding that the claim «is completely outside of anything that’s been discussed with Congress.»

The Post reported that the Sept. 2 operation — the first in a string of high-tempo strikes targeting alleged Venezuelan and Colombian narcotics networks — left two survivors clinging to the wreckage before a follow-on munition was employed. The Pentagon publicly reported that 11 suspected narco-traffickers were killed in the incident.

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Hegseth issued a forceful denial of the story, calling it «fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.»

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a forceful denial of the story, calling it «fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.» (The Associated Press)

«As we’ve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be ‘lethal, kinetic strikes,’» he wrote on X. «Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict — and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.»

The Pentagon declined to provide any additional context when asked by Fox News.

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Turner said over the weekend that nothing resembling the reported follow-on strike has been described in congressional after-action briefings to date.

 «There are very serious concerns in Congress about the attacks on the so-called drug boats down in the Caribbean and the Pacific, and the legal justification that’s been provided,» he said. «But this is completely outside of anything that’s been discussed with Congress, and there is an ongoing investigation.»

Boat shown before US military strike

Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, said over the weekend that nothing resembling the reported follow-on strike has been described in congressional after-action briefings to date.  (X.com/SecWar)

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Since September, U.S. forces have conducted at least two dozen strikes against alleged maritime narcotics traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing roughly 80 individuals linked — according to the administration — to designated Venezuelan and Colombian criminal organizations. Senior officials have argued the operations are necessary to disrupt what they describe as «narco-terrorist» groups with ties to Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

The escalated tempo comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on Maduro. 

President Donald Trump warned in the past week that commercial airlines «should consider Venezuela’s airspace closed,» a directive that aviation and defense analysts note could precede strikes deeper into Venezuelan territory if the administration believes Maduro-aligned groups pose an expanding threat.

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WV gov gives update on wounded guardsman, talks future of DC mission as general says troops are grieving

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West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Maj. Gen. James Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, provided an update Monday on their operations in Washington as well as the condition of critically wounded guardsman, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.

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Wolfe, of Inwood, West Virginia, and Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, were shot – Beckstrom fatally – allegedly by Afghan evacuee Rahmanullah Lakanwal of Bellingham, Washington, on Wednesday as they patrolled outside the Farragut West Metro station not far from the White House.

Morrisey said Wolfe has been upgraded to serious condition, a step down from the previously reported «critical» status.

«I’m not the doctor, and I’m not going to try to pretend to be so,» Morrisey said of speculation about the future of Wolfe’s condition.

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DC ATTORNEY GENERAL SUES TRUMP OVER NATIONAL GUARD ‘INVOLUNTARY MILITARY OCCUPATION’

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey speaks at an event for Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears on Nov. 1, 2025, in Abingdon, Virginia. (Allison Joyce/Getty Images)

Morrisey said Wolfe’s condition appears to be improving, telling reporters in Charleston that there had been some «positive news» from friends and family in the hospital.

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«Andrew was asked if he could hear the nurse who asked the question to give a ‘thumbs up’ and he did respond,» the governor said, calling the soldier’s mother, Melody, «such a positive force» and that she and her husband, Jason’s top request of the public is to continue to offer prayers.

Morrisey said he attended a vigil for Beckstrom in Webster County over the weekend, and traveled to the Eastern Panhandle for a prayer service for Wolfe that was held in Martinsburg, only 80 miles from Farragut Square.

WHERE THE TRUMP ADMIN’S COURT FIGHT OVER DC NATIONAL GUARD STANDS IN WAKE OF SHOOTING

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Seward and Morrisey spent Thanksgiving Day with the National Guardsmen at the Armory. A video from Morrisey’s social media feed indicated he met with personnel at the Washington, D.C., base.

«Every single one of the people there are volunteering,» he said, confirming 170 remain active in Washington.

WHITE HOUSE BLASTS MS NOW CORRESPONDENT’S ‘BEYOND SICK’ REACTION TO DC SHOOTING OF NATIONAL GUARDSMEN

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National Guard members in Washington, DC

National Guard members patrol in Washington, Nov. 27, 2025. (Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He called the attack an «unspeakable evil,» and said West Virginia has not been asked to deploy additional troops beyond the rotations it has been contributing to-date.

«They’re volunteering because they believe in the mission – they want to support the state of West Virginia, and they want to support the country.»

As for the future of the Guard’s activities in the Mountain State, Morrisey said he has been in touch with President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, and will defer to them on their processes.

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ALINA HABBA BLASTS BIDEN IMMIGRATION POLICIES AS ‘ABSOLUTE FAILURE’ AFTER DEADLY NATIONAL GUARD AMBUSH

He underlined, however, that service in the Guard’s Washington mission is all-volunteer.

Of the shooting itself, Morrisey condemned media pundits who have speculated and want to «wrongly go to different places.»

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«We’re not going to do that. At this point, that investigation is ongoing. The most important thing I can [say is] the citizens of West Virginia are rightfully angry about what’s happened right now,» he said.

ABBEY GATE GOLD STAR FATHER BLISTERS BIDEN AFTER AFGHAN NATIONAL ALLEGEDLY AMBUSHES 2 NATIONAL GUARDSMEN IN DC

Maj. Gen. James Seward

Maj. Gen. James Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG via DoD)

«Justice must be done in this case. Justice will be meted out.»

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Morrisey said he supports Trump’s call for new vetting proposals for «undocumented aliens» and loopholes to be closed in refugee vetting.

Seward said the Guard numbers about 6,000 statewide and that members have been shaken by Beckstrom’s killing and Wolfe’s injuries.

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«When we lose one of our family members, I can tell you that every guardsmen I talk to is grieving,» he said.

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Trump declares importance of not derailing ‘Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State’

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President Donald Trump described it as «very important» that «nothing» transpire to derail Syria’s transformation «into a prosperous state.»

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The commander-in-chief’s cryptic comments come days after Israel engaged in an operation in Syria.

«The United States is very satisfied with the results displayed, through hard work and determination, in the Country of Syria. We are doing everything within our power to make sure the Government of Syria continues to do what was intended, which is substantial, in order to build a true and prosperous Country. One of the things that has helped them greatly was my termination of very strong and biting sanctions — I believe this was truly appreciated by Syria, its Leadership, and its People!» the president said in the Truth Social post.

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TARGETING CERTAIN MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD CHAPTERS AS TERRORIST GROUPS

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President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One en-route to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 30, 2025.  (Pete Marovich/Getty Images)

«It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State. The new President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working diligently to make sure good things happen, and that both Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together. This is a historic opportunity, and adds to the SUCCESS, already attained, for PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!» Trump added.

The IDF noted last week that troops were wounded during action in Syria.

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A post on X explained that «IDF troops conducted an operation to apprehend suspects from the Jaama Islamiya terrorist organization operating in the Beit Jinn area of southern Syria. During the activity, several armed terrorists opened fire at the troops. IDF soldiers responded with live fire, supported by aerial assistance.»

ISRAEL RELEASES BODY-CAM VIDEO OF DEADLY SYRIA RAID TARGETING MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD-AFFILIATED TERRORISTS

«As a result of the incident, several reservists were injured and were evacuated to the hospital to receive medical treatment. The operation concluded with all suspects apprehended and several terrorists eliminated,» the IDF post noted.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump spoke on Monday.

NETANYAHU REQUESTS PARDON FROM ISRAELI PRESIDENT, AFTER TRUMP LETTER URGING CLEMENCY

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport before boarding his plane to Sharm El-Sheikh, on Oct. 13, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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«The two leaders stressed the importance and obligation of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, and discussed expanding the peace agreements,» the office of the prime minister noted on X. «US President Trump invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to a meeting at the White House in the near future,» another post added.



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El papa León XIV en Líbano: ante miles de jóvenes, los invitó a “cambiar el curso de la historia en un mundo desgarrado por guerras y desfigurado por las injusticias”

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Quince mil jóvenes congregados en Bkerke, cerca de Beirut y frente al patriarcado maronita, vivaron al anochecer al Papa en la última congregación pública de la jornada. Entre ellos había también delegaciones juveniles sirias e iraquíes. El pontífice los invitó a “cambiar el curso de la historia en un mundo desgarrado por guerras y desfigurado por las injusticias”.

El Papa recorrió en un carrito de golf la plaza entre los vivas, coros y gritos de la muchachada que estuvo horas esperándolo.

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Algunos jóvenes leyeron testimonios de su miedo a la guerra, la temida inestabilidad económica y en breves discursos se dirigieron a León XIV. Le hablaron de la devastación que causó la explosión del puerto de Beirut en 2020 (el Papa visitará mañana el lugar antes de partir de regreso a Roma) y de la necesidad que muchos de ellos sienten de emigrar.

El Papa respondió hablando en francés. Dijo que los mensajes de los jóvenes “hablan de valentía en el sufrimiento, de esperanza en la desilusión, de paz interior en medio de la guerra. Son como estrellas luminosas en una noche oscura, en la cual ya vislumbramos el resplandor del alba. En todos estos contrastes, muchos de los aquí presentes pueden reconocer sus propias experiencias, tanto en el bien como en el mal”.

Les recordó también “la historia del Líbano tejida de páginas gloriosas pero también marcada por heridas profundas que tardan en cicatrizar. Estas heridas tienen causas que sobrepasan las fronteras nacionales y se entrelazan con dinámicas sociales y políticas muy complejas”.

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El Papa dijo además: “Queridos jóvenes, quizás se lamenten de haber heredado un mundo desgarrado por guerras y desfigurado por injusticias sociales. Sin embargo, en ustedes reside una esperanza que a nosotros adultos parece escapárseles. Ustedes tienen tiempo. Tienen más tiempo para soñar, organizar y realizar el bien. Además les dijo a los jóvenes que tienen el tiempo para cambiar el curso de la historia. La verdadera resistencia al mal no es el mal sino el amor. El Papa los instó a “construir un futuro nuevo, un mundo que sea mejor que el que han encontrado”.

Antes el encuentro con los jóvenes, el Papa presidió en la céntrica plaza de los Mártires de Beirut, un diálogo con los líderes de las dieciocho comunidades religiosas del país. Sobre todo cristianas y musulmanas. León XIV los instó a combatir la intolerancia y la violencia en un país multiconfesional.

Miles de fieles saludaron con entusiasmo al pontífice cuando llego al lugar, desafiando una lluvia torrencial, tras horas de espera. Cristianos y musulmanes lo aclamaron y le lanzaron arroz en señal de bienvenida mientras pasaba el papamóvil.

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Algunos comentaron en voz alta en este lugar central de Beirut que es un símbolo de la memoria nacional, que “esta visita nos ha devuelto la sonrisa».

En su intervención el pontífice dijo a la multitud: “Ustedes están llamados a ser constructores de paz, a enfrentar la intolerancia, a superar la violencia y desterrar la exclusión”, dijo el Papa en un país que sigue profundamente dividido.

Uno por uno los representantes de doce comunidades cristianas y cuatro musulmanas se sucedieron en el micrófono y destacaron que la convivencia para exaltar la importancia de la convivencia en el Líbano, que sufrió una gran guerra civil entre 1975 y 1990.

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El conflicto generó una situación económica muy difícil en el país. Además hubo una conmoción bélica tras la guerra entre el partido musulmán Hezbollah e Israel, que EE.UU. logró detener con una tregua en noviembre de 2024. Pero la paz no fue alcanzada totalmente y en los últimos tiempos Israel intensificó los ataques en las últimas semanas.

Desde 2019 tras una sucesión de crisis que desembocó en un colapso económico que agravó la pobreza, se aceleró un fenómeno conocido en el país, donde son más los que se fueron a vivir en el exterior, y hoy la población se ha reducido al 8,5 millones de habitantes. Existe el realista temor de que la emigración continúe.

Entre 2012 y 2024, otros 800 mil libaneses, sobre todo jóvenes,, se instalaron en el exterior. Un sacerdote dijo que “estamos lidiando con muchas problemas, económicos, sociales y políticos”, pero invitó a no perder la voluntad de cambiar la situación.

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