U.S. Southern Command says it conducted a new 'lethal kinetic strike' on alleged drug boat

A Pentagon inspector general's report revealed that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endangered U.S. troops by sharing sensitive military plans for a strike in Yemen via his personal phone, raising concerns about the use of unapproved communication methods within the Defense Department.

Recent actions by President Donald Trump indicate a potential military escalation against Venezuela, particularly targeting the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Trump has declared Venezuelan airspace closed and has authorized military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, raising concerns about the legality and humanitarian implications of such actions.

The Pentagon confirmed that a U.S. military strike in the eastern Pacific resulted in the deaths of four men aboard a boat suspected of drug trafficking. This operation, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was characterized as a 'lethal kinetic strike' against a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization. The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the legality of such military actions against alleged drug smugglers.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied allegations that he ordered military strikes resulting in the deaths of all individuals on board alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean. This follows a deadly attack on a boat, which has raised significant concerns among lawmakers regarding the legality of the military's actions and the treatment of survivors.

Late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, criticized U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his controversial authorization of military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which resulted in significant casualties. The discussions also highlighted Trump's cabinet meeting habits and the backlash against Hegseth's social media posts.

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.

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.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended two military strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Hegseth attributed the oversight of survivors to the 'fog of war,' raising concerns about potential violations of international law.