The U.S. has launched a series of military strikes against Venezuelan vessels labeled as drug traffickers, resulting in at least 27 reported casualties, under the Trump administration's aggressive anti-drug strategy.
President Trump has described these operations as necessary steps against "narcoterrorism," framing the Venezuelan government as a major player in the international drug trade.
Amid escalating tensions, Maduro's administration has offered concessions related to Venezuela's vast natural resources in a bid to defuse the crisis while the U.S. continues its military operations.
Legal and ethical concerns are mounting regarding the legitimacy of these strikes, as critics denounce the actions as extrajudicial killings, challenging the U.S. narrative of targeting unlawful combatants.
The approval of CIA covert operations within Venezuela marks a significant intensification of U.S. involvement, with land strikes under consideration as part of a broader campaign against drug cartels.
Bipartisan political reactions highlight a growing division in Congress, as some lawmakers push for limits on Trump's military authority, questioning the implications of his aggressive foreign policy.