Hegseth Refuses Public Release of Venezuela Strike Video

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not release the full video of a military strike off Venezuela. He made the statement on Capitol Hill. The strike targeted a suspected drug-trafficking boat on September 2.

The administration faces growing scrutiny over its campaign in the region. Hegseth cited long-standing Department of Defense policy. He said releasing a top-secret, unedited video to the public is not standard procedure.

Lawmakers Demand Answers in Classified Briefings

Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed all US senators. This happened on Tuesday, December 16. Lawmakers demanded more information on the months-long campaign.

The operation involved over twenty strikes. These strikes targeted boats in waters off Venezuela. According to Reuters, the actions have resulted in more than 80 deaths.

Second Strike on Survivors Sparks Intense Scrutiny

A major point of concern is a second strike ordered on September 2. The commander ordered it to kill two survivors from an earlier attack. This revelation has prompted serious questions.

Experts are examining the rules of engagement. The campaign’s ultimate objectives are now under debate. These operational details have intensified congressional oversight.

Democratic lawmakers criticized the Senate briefing. They called it insufficient and lacking detail. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer led the criticism.

“The administration came to this briefing empty-handed,” Schumer said. He noted contradictions in the president’s stated goals. The lack of a clear endgame worries many in Congress.

Republicans Defend Campaign, Push for Regime Change

Republican officials largely support President Trump’s approach. They argue the campaign disrupts deadly drug trafficking routes. The administration links these routes to American deaths.

Senator Lindsey Graham voiced strong support. He argued the campaign should aim for regime change in Venezuela. Graham stated that President Nicolás Maduro needs to be removed from power.

The refusal to release the Venezuela strike video ensures operational details remain secret. It also fuels a political debate over military transparency and strategy. This controversy highlights the complex challenges of cross-border security operations.

Please note-

Q1: Why won’t the Pentagon release the strike video?

Defense Secretary Hegseth cited long-standing Department of Defense policy. He stated that releasing top-secret, unedited operational videos to the general public is not standard practice for security reasons.

Q2: How many casualties resulted from the strikes?

The campaign involved more than twenty separate strikes. Official briefings indicate these actions have killed over 80 people in waters off the Venezuelan coast.

Q3: What is the main political disagreement about?

Democrats criticize a lack of clear objectives and transparency. Republicans defend the actions as necessary to combat drug trafficking, with some calling for the removal of Venezuela’s leader.

Q4: What raised the most alarm for lawmakers?

Lawmakers were most concerned by reports of a second strike ordered to target survivors. This action prompted fresh scrutiny of the military’s rules of engagement during the operation.

Q5: What was the stated goal of the military campaign?

The Trump administration stated the goal was to disrupt international drug trafficking. Officials blame these trafficking routes for contributing to American overdose deaths.