Rand Paul says Venezuela boat bombings are ‘inappropriate’ and ‘go against our tradition’

Venezuela Situation & US Policy - US President authorized military strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, resulting in over 20 deaths in six strikes [1] - Senator argues these strikes are against tradition, requiring accusation and evidence before lethal action [2][3] - Senator highlights that Coast Guard statistics show about 25% of boarded ships have no drugs, questioning the policy of blowing up suspected drug-running ships [4] - Senator suggests speedboats are likely supplying drugs to islands near Venezuela, questioning the assumption they are destined for the US and the lack of proof [5] - Senator emphasizes the difference between war and peace, stating that all-out war with Venezuela requires a declaration of war from Congress [6] - President Trump acknowledged authorizing a covert CIA operation inside Venezuela, and the Pentagon has scaled up US forces in the region [7] - Senator finds it unusual to announce a covert CIA operation, questioning its effectiveness [8] - Senator notes some members of the administration have been pushing for war with Venezuela for a long time [9] - Senator points out President Trump's past opposition to regime change in Iraq and Libya, highlighting the costly and destabilizing consequences of those interventions [10][11]