Core Points - The U.S. government has briefed Congress on recent anti-drug operations in South American waters, emphasizing the need for more transparency and legal justification for these actions [1][2][3] Group 1: Government Actions - Since early September, the U.S. military has conducted 16 strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 66 fatalities [2] - The government claims the targets are drug vessels but has not provided evidence or explained the legal basis for directly attacking ships instead of intercepting and arresting individuals onboard [2][4] Group 2: Congressional Response - Senate Democratic leaders have expressed the need for more information and have called for a briefing for all senators regarding the operations [3] - A resolution is expected to be voted on in the Senate, requiring congressional approval for any direct military actions against Venezuela [4] - There is skepticism among some Republican lawmakers regarding the legality of the operations, despite previous partisan divisions preventing similar legislation from passing [5] Group 3: Legal Opinions and Criticism - The U.S. government provided a secret legal opinion to the Senate, which has been criticized for lacking logical coherence and failing to address the legal basis for actions against Venezuela [4][5] - Democratic representatives have voiced doubts about the legitimacy of the military actions based on the provided legal opinions and briefings [5]

Core Points - The U.S. government has briefed Congress on recent anti-drug operations in South American waters, emphasizing the need for more transparency and legal justification for these actions [1][2][3] - Since early September, the U.S. military has conducted 16 strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels, resulting in at least 66 fatalities [2] - Legal experts have raised concerns that the U.S. actions may violate international law and domestic laws, particularly regarding the legality of targeting individuals on the high seas [2][4] Summary by Sections Government Actions - The U.S. government has initiated a series of anti-drug operations, with a focus on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific [2] - The government has provided limited information to Congress, leading to demands for more comprehensive briefings and legal explanations [4][5] Congressional Response - Senate Democratic leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided and are calling for a full briefing for all senators [3] - A resolution is expected to be voted on, requiring congressional approval for any direct military actions against Venezuela [4] Legal Concerns - A secret legal opinion from the Department of Justice was shared with the Senate, but it has been criticized for lacking clarity on the legal basis for actions against Venezuela [4][5] - Some members of Congress, including Democrats, remain skeptical about the legality of the military actions taken in international waters [5]