Details of Military Action Against Venezuelan Drug Smugglers Revealed

On Saturday, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth shared insights about his direct involvement in the Trump administration’s initial military strike against a suspected drug-smuggling vessel off Venezuela’s coast on September 2. During a conversation with Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson, he mentioned that he watched the operation take place live from the Pentagon after approving it.

Hegseth kicked off his keynote address by asserting that President Donald Trump embodies the spirit of President Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” policy, while also criticizing previous bipartisan political leaders for straying towards prolonged military engagements.

Following his speech, Hegseth answered questions and elaborated on the September 2 operation, describing it as the start of over 20 U.S. attacks aimed at dismantling drug-trafficking networks linked to cartels in the Caribbean. He strongly denied allegations suggesting he had ordered U.S. troops to eliminate everyone aboard the vessel.

As tensions escalate between Trump and Maduro, experts caution that both sides’ next actions could lead to a military standoff.

When probed about issuing any kill orders, Hegseth dismissed the claims as unfounded. “Did someone come from the Washington Post? I don’t know where they got that from, but it’s outrageous,” he said. “Absolutely not… You don’t just say, ‘Kill them,’ which is frankly absurd.”

He explained that gathering the necessary intelligence for such a pre-emptive strike takes considerable time — “weeks, almost a month” — and emphasized the need for the Pentagon to reallocate resources that have lingered “10,000 miles away for a long time.”

For initial operations, he retained strike authority, citing strategic considerations involved.

Hegseth described how he monitored the mission for “probably about five minutes” before moving on to other responsibilities. Later, he learned from his commander that a follow-up attack was warranted due to several individuals potentially still being engaged in fighting.

“A second attack was necessary because there could be more involved,” he remarked, pointing to the possibility of communications with another vessel and drugs left behind. He expressed his full support for that strike, stating he would have made a similar decision himself.

Hegseth noted that it’s common practice to carry out repeat attacks in combat zones, mentioning that the authority for such actions rests with Admiral Bradley, who currently oversees attack decisions. Hegseth clarified that he no longer has the approval authority for upcoming missions.

During a discussion on survivor protocols, he referenced other incidents with semi-submersible drug vessels. “In that case, the first strike didn’t stop it and some people jumped overboard,” he explained. After a second attack, which led to the vessel sinking, U.S. forces rescued the survivors and returned them to their home countries.

Hegseth asserted that the operation had a deterring effect, stating, “We’re putting them at the bottom of the ocean in the Caribbean… it’s going to enhance the safety of the American people.”

When questioned about President Trump’s willingness to release unedited footage of the initial strike, he indicated an ongoing review process reflecting concerns about operational integrity.

Lastly, he spoke on defense spending, hinting at increases, and underlined the necessity for a revitalized defense industrial base, emphasizing the urgent need for such capabilities. As he discussed morale in the military, he noted a resurgence of enthusiasm within the ranks under the current administration, highlighting enlistment and re-enlistment rates hitting historic levels.

Hegseth concluded with a light-hearted moment, mentioning he’s affiliated with the Navy but acknowledged the strong presence of the Marine Corps despite recent political distractions.