Lawmakers want 'full accounting' from Pentagon after report of follow-on strike on alleged drug boat

Congress has initiated inquiries following a Washington Post report alleging that the U.S. military targeted survivors of a strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, raising the possibility of war crimes. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed serious concerns regarding the implications of these actions.

Both the House and Senate have initiated inquiries into a second military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean that occurred last September, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of survivors from an initial strike. NBC News’ Kelly O’Donnell reported on the developments surrounding this incident.

The United States has deployed 11 warships and approximately 15,000 troops to the Caribbean amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Secretary of the Navy emphasized the importance of utilizing the nation's best assets to protect the homeland. This military buildup is seen as a significant response to ongoing concerns regarding Venezuela's activities, particularly accusations against its government related to drug trafficking.

Senator Mark Kelly announced that the Senate Armed Services Committee will conduct an investigation into reported follow-up military strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, stating that military officials will be put under oath. This inquiry follows concerns about the legality and consequences of the strikes, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) stated that a second U.S. military strike on survivors of an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean would be an illegal act, following reports of such an action. He emphasized the need for adherence to legal standards in military operations during an interview on CBS News’s 'Face the Nation.'

The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly for a video in which he and other Democratic lawmakers encouraged military personnel to disobey illegal orders. This inquiry has sparked significant debate among legal experts regarding the implications of such statements and the potential for disciplinary actions against Kelly.

Congress is under pressure to finalize significant legislation, including reforms to Obamacare subsidies and appropriations bills, as a January 30 funding deadline approaches. Lawmakers are racing against time to address these critical issues that affect millions of Americans.

Senator Mark Kelly is under investigation by the Pentagon for a video in which he and other Democratic lawmakers encouraged military personnel to disobey illegal orders, a stance he defends as non-controversial. The inquiry raises questions about potential breaches of military law and the implications of such directives on military conduct.