While President Donald Trump’s military campaign against suspected drug smugglers off the coast of Venezuela is generating criticism from Democrats and a few Republicans in Congress, his MAGA base has his back https://t.co/dxP3CctYC7 ...

Do you support this pardon of the former Honduran president. >> I'm not familiar with the facts or circumstances, but I think what's telling here is to try to imply that somehow President Trump is soft on on um drug smuggling uh is just ridiculous. It's totally ridiculous.He's the he's uh provided border security like we've never seen before. And the fact is these cartels now because the southern border is closed, they've gone to the high seas. >> What do you mean you're not familiar with the facts and circ ...

America’s armed forces have carried out 22 confirmed air strikes, which have killed at least 87 people who, the Trump administration claims, were smuggling drugs to the United States https://t.co/u2vQwn1qOm ...

The latest strikes in the eastern Pacific on Thursday killed four men who, the Trump administration claims, were smuggling drugs to the United States. Our charts track the campaign https://t.co/mcymfRPfQu https://t.co/EEXySOpee1 ...

The latest strikes in the eastern Pacific killed four men who, the Trump administration claims, were smuggling drugs to the United States. Our charts track the campaign https://t.co/Eypmo8PF0T ...

Legal Concerns Regarding Military Strikes - The report raises serious legal questions about potential war crimes related to a second strike on survivors, even under the assumption of an armed conflict with drug cartels [1][2][3] - The legality of the strikes is questioned under the law of naval warfare and armed conflict, as survivors clinging to remnants of a boat are not considered an imminent threat and should receive protection [2][3] - The report highlights that such actions could violate customary international law incorporated into U S domestic law, potentially constituting murder [3] - The legality of potential land strikes is questioned, with concerns raised about whether they comply with the law of armed conflict regarding survivors who pose no threat [4][5] Evidence and Due Process - The report notes the lack of evidence supporting claims that the targeted boats were smuggling drugs related to the fentanyl crisis aimed at the U S [6][7][8] - The report emphasizes the importance of due process before engaging in deadly action, suggesting that interdiction and boarding of vessels should be prioritized over immediate deadly force [9][10] Congressional Oversight and Executive Power - The report underscores Congress's constitutional duty to oversee military actions and potentially declare war if the conflict becomes long-term and involved [5][11] - The report questions the consistency of the U S policy, citing the pardon of a former Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking while simultaneously striking boats allegedly involved in drug smuggling [11][12][13] Supreme Court and Tariff Regime - The report anticipates a Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's tariff regime, expecting a decision before the end of the year [15][16][17] - The report suggests the Supreme Court may apply the doctrine requiring an express delegation from Congress for executive actions with broad economic consequences, potentially leading to the tariffs being overturned [18][19]

Security Concerns - U.S boat strikes in the Pacific resulted in the deaths of six alleged drug smugglers [1]

Industry Perspective - The report questions whether drug smuggling for profit is equivalent to an invasion of America [1] - The report suggests that Congress and the public are desensitized to the Trump administration's tactics [1]

Over the past few weeks, the long frosty relationship between the US and Venezuela reached a boiling point. The United States launched a series of strikes against vessels alleged to be carrying drugs, calling it a counter narcotics mission. But the growing military buildup of American forces in the region suggests there may be another target.President Nicholas Maduro, the Venezuelan dictator who's been in America's crosshairs for years. This summer, the US Justice Department announced a $50 million reward f ...

Military Operations & Surveillance - U S military possesses precise intelligence on drug smuggling boats due to established maritime surveillance capabilities, tracking their movements and cargo [2][3] - The U S employs various resources, including drones, satellites, and patrol aircraft, for maritime surveillance, ensuring confidence in striking drug boats [4] - Technology initially developed for tracking Soviets, Russians, and Chinese is now utilized for monitoring maritime activities [3] - The U S military carefully considers weapons parameters to avoid collateral damage during targeted attacks [6] Power Projection & Deterrence - B-1 bombers possess excellent overwater reconnaissance capabilities for finding and targeting ships [8] - B-52 bombers were reportedly flying near Venezuela, potentially as a projection of power [7][9] - The U S is sending the Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group to the U S Southern Command Area of Responsibility to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and counter narco-terrorism [17][18] - Deployment of the aircraft carrier Ford to the Caribbean serves as a projection of force and enhances overwater surveillance capabilities [19][20] Geopolitical Tensions & Missile Capabilities - Russia is concerned about potential Tomahawk cruise missile deployment to Ukraine, which could reach 60 Russian airbases [12][13] - Ukraine has successfully used drone attacks against Russian bombers, warplanes, and energy infrastructure [14] - The U S has a sufficient supply of Tomahawk missiles and is developing new hypersonic missiles [15] - Maduro claims Venezuela possesses 5000 surface-to-air missiles [16]