Congressional outrage grows as secretive military strikes against Venezuela highlight the erosion of constitutional oversight.
Story Highlights
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered secretive strikes on Venezuelan drug vessels, sparking controversy.
- Congress accuses the administration of bypassing constitutional war powers and demands transparency.
- International bodies allege these actions violate international law, labeling them extrajudicial killings.
- Despite criticism, the Trump administration continues its military operations in the region.
Controversial Military Strikes in Venezuela
In 2025, the U.S. conducted a series of military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels near Venezuela. These operations, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, were justified as counternarcotics measures to protect the U.S. However, the lack of transparency regarding the legal basis and rules of engagement has drawn significant backlash from Congress and international entities.
Anonymous sources revealed that Hegseth allegedly ordered SEAL Team Six to “leave no survivors,” raising ethical and legal concerns. This “double-tap” strike, where two men survived the initial attack only to be killed in a subsequent strike, has been condemned as a potential violation of international law.
Congressional and International Reactions
Members of Congress from both parties have criticized the administration for its secretive approach, arguing that it sidesteps constitutional obligations for transparency and oversight. Resolutions have been introduced to limit President Trump’s authority to carry out such operations, but the Senate has twice rejected these measures.
International criticism has been equally sharp, with human rights organizations and the governments of Colombia and Venezuela accusing the U.S. of extrajudicial killings. These accusations have added pressure on the Trump administration to justify its actions and adhere to international legal standards.
Ongoing Military Operations and Legal Challenges
Despite the controversy, Secretary Hegseth has indicated that military operations against drug cartels in Venezuela will continue. This stance underscores the administration’s commitment to a hardline approach, prioritizing national security over international criticism.
As the legal and ethical debates continue, Congress remains divided on how to effectively constrain the administration’s military actions. The ongoing legal proceedings, such as the complaint filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, highlight the complexity and high stakes of these operations.
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2025 United States military strikes on alleged drug traffickers
