WASHINGTON – In a span of less than two months, President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that U.S. military conducted 14 airstrikes against drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 61 fatalities.
Trump defended these airstrikes as a critical step to reduce the influx of drugs into the country, likening the situation to an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. He cited a legal basis similar to that used by the Bush administration for the war on terrorism following the September 11 attacks.
As the airstrikes increase, discussions in Congress about the boundaries of presidential power gain traction. Notably, these attacks proceeded without traditional Congressional approval or thorough legal assessment, prompting some lawmakers to challenge the adequacy of evidence supporting these actions.
At the same time, a significant naval presence off South America has raised concerns about a potential invasion of Venezuela, leading to speculation about Trump’s intentions regarding President Nicolas Maduro, who faces drug-terrorism charges in the U.S.
Here’s a brief timeline of U.S. military actions and congressional concerns.
January 20th
On his return to the White House, Trump signed an executive order aimed at labeling criminal organizations and drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” which includes the Venezuelan gang Torren de Aragua.
U.S. intelligence agencies challenged Trump’s assertion that Maduro’s regime collaborated with Torren de Aragua in facilitating drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S.
February 20th
The Trump administration officially classified eight Latin American criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations, typically a designation given to entities like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State rather than profit-driven criminal gangs.
August 19th
U.S. officials disclosed the deployment of three Aegis missile destroyers off Venezuela’s coast, part of efforts to counter drug cartel threats in the region.
In a matter of weeks, naval strength in the Caribbean expanded to include three amphibious assault ships, two additional Navy vessels, and about 6,000 sailors and Marines. Notably, F-35 fighter jets were sent to Puerto Rico in September, while submarines capable of launching cruise missiles also operated off South America’s coast.
September 2nd
The first attack targeted a vessel claimed by Trump to be linked to Torren de Aragua, resulting in 11 deaths. A short video was released, showing a small boat exploding, though no substantial evidence of drugs was visible in the clip.
September 10th
Sen. Tim Kaine and 20 other Democratic senators sent a letter to the White House, stating that the administration had not provided a valid legal justification for the attacks.
Sen. Jack Reed emphasized on the Senate floor that the military lacked the authority to hunt down and eliminate criminal suspects without due process.
September 11th
In Venezuela, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused the U.S. of murder and questioned how the individuals on the attacked boat were identified as gang members.
September 15th
The U.S. military executed a second assault on a suspected drug transport vessel, killing three. When questioned about evidence supporting claims of drugs being onboard, Trump asserted, “We have proof,” pointing to cargo visible in the ocean, though no images were released.
September 19th
Trump announced a third military strike, killing three more individuals while stating intelligence confirmed the vessel was involved in drug trafficking. Critics, including some senators and human rights advocates, continued to question the legality of these military actions.
October 2nd
Trump announced drug cartels as illegal combatants and suggested an ongoing “armed conflict” with them, which many considered an unusual extension of presidential war powers.
This memo has drawn backlash, including from Republican Senator Rand Paul, who claimed only Congress can declare war and described the memo as a “pretending way” to legitimize the airstrikes.
October 3rd
Hegseth confirmed a fourth attack on another vessel, resulting in four deaths, while he provided no information about the individuals involved.
October 8th
Senate Republicans turned down a proposal requiring the president to seek Congressional approval before further military actions against suspected drug cartels, with a close vote of 48-51.
October 14th
Trump reported a fifth attack on a small vessel linked to a “narco-terrorist network,” claiming the vessel was involved in drug trafficking.
October 15th
The president acknowledged authorizing the CIA for covert operations in Venezuela, considering potential ground operations but declined to specify whether the CIA could target Maduro.
October 16th
The admiral in charge of regional military operations announced his intent to retire in December, having led the U.S. Southern Command since last November.
October 16th
Trump shared another military success, noting the attack on six suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, which resulted in two deaths while two individuals survived. The fate of the survivors was unclear regarding their legal status in the U.S.
October 17th
The military struck a seventh vessel with alleged connections to the Colombian National Liberation Army, claiming all three onboard were killed without providing further evidence.
October 20th
Rep. Adam Smith called for hearings on the boat attack, highlighting an unprecedented lack of transparency and organization amidst the commander’s early retirement.
October 21st
An independent team from the UN Human Rights Council criticized the U.S. for its covert operations against Venezuela, stating such actions violate international obligations and threaten peace in the Caribbean.
October 21st
Hegseth announced an eighth assault on a suspected drug vessel in the Pacific, killing two and expanding operational areas for future military actions.
October 22nd
A subsequent attack killed three, with videos showing the ship exploding and packages floating in the water.
October 24th
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was deployed off South America as part of the military’s increased presence in the region.
October 24th
The military executed a tenth attack, resulting in six deaths; the vessel was linked to the Torren de Aragua gang.
Hegseth stated, “If you were a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs, we treat you like al-Qaeda.” The ongoing military campaign shows the gravity of the administration’s response to drug trafficking.
October 28th
Hegseth detailed three attacks that killed 14 and left one survivor, marking a significant escalation with multiple actions in one day.
While Mexican authorities coordinated the rescue of the survivor, the legal future for this individual remains uncertain.
October 29th
Another strike on a drug-laden vessel resulted in all four onboard being killed; intelligence suggested the vessel was following known trafficking routes.
October 29th
Sen. Mark Warner noted a briefing on the boat attack was given to Republicans only, while a vote on a war powers resolution could soon be taken, aiming to restrict attacks on Venezuela without Congressional approval.
