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Defense Secretary Denies Illegal Strikes Amid Controversy

11/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called reports that he ordered illegal Caribbean strikes 'fake news' and said the actions against drug-trafficking boats were lawful.
The Trump administration designated the Tren de Aragua gang as a terrorist organization, saying the operations counter drug threats.
Experts dispute the designation, noting fentanyl does not originate from Venezuela.
Critics, including Venezuelan officials, argue the strikes violate due process and amount to extrajudicial executions.

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Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called reports that he ordered illegal Caribbean strikes 'fake news' and said the actions against drug-trafficking boats were lawful.
The Trump administration designated the Tren de Aragua gang as a terrorist organization, saying the operations counter drug threats.
Experts dispute the designation, noting fentanyl does not originate from Venezuela.
Critics, including Venezuelan officials, argue the strikes violate due process and amount to extrajudicial executions.