Consider This from NPR Did the U.S. commit a war crime in the Caribbean?
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Dec 1, 2025 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a key voice on Armed Services and Foreign Relations, dives deep into the controversy surrounding recent U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean. He questions the legality of the operations, pointing out that killing survivors may constitute a war crime. Kaine challenges the legal rationale behind the strikes and emphasizes the need for Congressional approval for military actions. His insights raise crucial questions about executive power and the treatment of military operations in international law, shedding light on a complex issue.
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Double Tap Raises Legal Red Flags
- The U.S. carried out a first strike and a reported second "double tap" strike that killed two survivors on Sept. 2 in the Caribbean.
- If accurate, the second strike raises grave legal questions under U.S. and international law about killing wounded survivors.
Administration Claims Lawful Authority
- The White House says Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley and that actions were within authority and law.
- Some political allies applaud decisive action while other lawmakers demand a full accounting and investigation.
Legal Authorization Is In Doubt
- Senator Tim Kaine says the legal rationale provided to him was unpersuasive and sees no clear authorization for the strikes.
- He emphasizes that killing survivors would violate the DOD Law of War Manual and international conventions.