Hegseth or Admiral Bradley: Who approved the second Venezuela boat strike?

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking. This announcement has raised concerns about the implications for U.S. credibility and influence in Central America, especially in light of ongoing political tensions in Honduras.

The U.S. has reportedly employed 'double-tap' strikes against Venezuelan boats suspected of drug trafficking, a tactic previously utilized during the Obama administration. This method involves conducting two strikes in quick succession to ensure the target is neutralized. Recent operations have raised questions about the legality and implications of such military actions.

A shooting incident near the White House resulted in the death of one National Guard member and critical injuries to another. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was reportedly experiencing a personal crisis at the time of the attack. A U.S. official has disputed the White House's account regarding the circumstances surrounding a separate deadly boat strike in the Caribbean.

The Honduran presidential race is currently experiencing a tense situation, with the latest vote count showing right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura leading by a mere 515 ballots. This narrow margin has prompted former U.S. President Donald Trump to express concerns about the election's integrity, labeling it a 'technical tie.'

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated as President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, suggesting he can choose to resolve the situation 'the easy way or the hard way.' This comes amid a significant military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean, reminiscent of Cold War-era confrontations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces have captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, a statement disputed by Ukrainian officials who assert they still control parts of the city. This announcement coincides with the arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow for talks aimed at negotiating a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured in a shooting incident near the White House, which has intensified the rhetoric from President Trump and America First Republicans regarding crime and immigration. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has been linked to the attack, prompting calls for stricter immigration policies.