Killing of survivors sparks outrage – but entire US ‘drug boat’ war is legally shaky

The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming that new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on press access and reporting violate press freedoms and chill independent journalism. The lawsuit highlights concerns over limited access to vital national security information for journalists covering the military.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking in the United States. This decision comes amid Trump's claims of intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela, raising questions about his commitment to a drug war narrative while pardoning a convicted trafficker.

A report from the Transition Security Project highlights that the US is allocating billions to stockpile critical minerals for military applications, including advanced weaponry and AI-driven warfare. This diversion of essential resources is occurring amidst a global arms race, which is impeding efforts to address climate change as these minerals are vital for sustainable technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles.

Federal forces have initiated an immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans, Louisiana, known as Operation Catahoula Crunch, targeting undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration's intensified crackdown. Images have surfaced showing arrests being made on the streets of the city, which has been described as a sanctuary for immigrants. This operation follows similar actions in other Democratic-led cities, such as Charlotte, North Carolina.

In Venezuela, citizens express greater concern over rampant inflation and the deteriorating economy than political threats from U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ousting Nicolás Maduro. As Christmas approaches, the rising costs of decorations and basic goods have intensified public anxiety about financial stability.

The U.S. military has faced scrutiny following two strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, allegedly linked to drug trafficking, which resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been accused of issuing orders that led to a follow-up strike, contradicting his claims of not having given such directives. This situation raises questions about military engagement rules and accountability.

On September 2, the U.S. military conducted a strike on a Venezuelan boat suspected of harboring narco-terrorists, which was followed by a second strike targeting survivors in the water. This incident has raised serious allegations of potential war crimes against the Trump administration, as reported by various lawmakers and media outlets.

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated significantly, particularly following President Donald Trump's declaration that the airspace above and around Venezuela is now considered closed. This announcement has been met with strong condemnation from the Venezuelan government, which views it as a violation of their sovereignty.