Alleged War Crime Investigation - The core issue revolves around the legality of using lethal force against individuals clinging to wreckage who pose no threat to US military forces [2][3] - The situation is being compared to Nazi submarines machine-gunning survivors, highlighting the gravity of the alleged actions [4] - Legal experts suggest that boat strikes themselves may not be a proper use of military force under international law [14] - A "double tap" strike, specifically targeting those out of combat, is considered a war crime [15] Accountability and Responsibility - Everyone involved, from the Secretary of Defense down to the individuals who pulled the trigger, could be held accountable under civilian law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice [14] - Military members have an obligation to disobey patently unlawful orders [17] - Obeying an unlawful order subjects everyone involved to legal accountability [18] Political and Military Implications - The Secretary of Defense's actions are described as unserious and potentially putting military personnel at risk of committing war crimes [9] - There are concerns about the role of Congress in overseeing military operations [5] - The incident is causing upset among Republicans, and the President is attempting to distance himself from it [7]

Growing concerns about how far the Trump administration may go in its military actions against alleged drug traffickers in Venezuela. The administration dramatically escalated the military presence in the region by deploying the largest aircraft carrier in the fleet to the waters of South America. This after the US destroyed a 10th boat on Friday.The administration has provided no proof of its claims that this and the other targeted vessels were trafficking narcotics. Joining me now, retired first-star gene ...