Tue Dec 02 09:30:00 UTC 2025: Headline: US Military Build-Up Near Venezuela Fuels Invasion Fears Amid Controversy Over “Kill Order”
Washington, D.C. – Tensions are escalating in the Caribbean as the United States military continues to amass assets near Venezuela, sparking concerns about a potential invasion aimed at ousting President Nicolas Maduro. The build-up coincides with growing scrutiny over a controversial “kill order” allegedly issued by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth targeting suspected drug smugglers.
President Trump convened his national security team on Monday to discuss “next steps” on Venezuela, according to reports. The meeting included key figures such as Secretary Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Details of the discussion remain undisclosed.
The military build-up includes approximately 15,000 personnel in the region, supported by naval assets such as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group and destroyers like the USS Winston S. Churchill.
The situation is further complicated by a recent report alleging that Secretary Hegseth verbally ordered the killing of all individuals aboard a vessel suspected of drug smuggling from Venezuela. A follow-up strike was reportedly authorized after some individuals survived the initial attack.
Former military lawyers have criticized the order, with some stating that, if true, the orders would “constitute war crimes, murder, or both”. Hegseth defended the actions, claiming compliance with the law of armed conflict. The White House confirmed the second strike, stating that Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the follow-on attack.
The Venezuelan National Assembly was scheduled to meet to discuss forming a commission on the strikes but postponed the meeting until Tuesday without explanation.
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