 "Trump holds special meetings on Venezuela as his govt faces scrutiny over military action")
US President Donald Trump and his top national security officials have met in White House to discuss the government’s next steps in Venezuela as tensions soar between the two countries.
The meeting comes at a time when the Trump administration is facing renewed calls from lawmakers to release more information on a controversial decision in September to strike a boat in the Caribbean twice to kill remaining survivors.
Key members of Trump’s Cabinet and national security team, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were expected to attend, along with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, according to a CNN report.
Who ordered the second strike?
A US admiral acting under the authority of Hegseth ordered a “double-tap” military operation that targeted survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug smuggling boat, the White House said Monday.
A total of 11 people were killed in the two strikes in early September, the first in a months-long military campaign that has so far left more than 80 dead.
Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists.
Hegseth “authorised Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes,” she said.
‘Don’t want slave peace’
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has rejected “a slave’s peace,” as his leadership comes under increasing pressure from the Trump administration.
“We want peace, but peace with sovereignty, equality, freedom! We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies!” Maduro said at a rally in Caracas, even as Trump was set to meet his top national security officials to discuss Venezuela.
“We have endured 22 weeks of aggression that can be described as psychological terrorism, 22 weeks during which they have tested us. The people of Venezuela have demonstrated their love for the homeland,” Maduro added.
Quick Reads
View AllTrump said Sunday he had recently spoken with Maduro for the first time since returning to office in January, but would not give details. Maduro has repeatedly said he is ready to talk to Trump face-to-face.
Hundreds of Venezuelan government supporters marched in Caracas on Monday, denouncing US “threats” against the country, torn by economic strife and political unrest.
With inputs from agencies
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