The Pentagon has blocked senior congressional staff from receiving a classified briefing on a deadly US drone strike off the coast of Venezuela, escalating concerns over the legality of the operation and the Trump administration’s growing military campaign in the Caribbean.

Earlier this month, US forces launched a drone strike that killed 11 people aboard a boat near Venezuela. The operation, allegedly part of a broader anti-narcoterrorism campaign, has since drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, legal experts, and human rights advocates. Critics say the strike lacked congressional authorization, violated international law, and signaled a dangerous escalation of US military operations in the Caribbean.

US drone strike kills 11 off Venezuelan coast

On Monday, while details of the initial strike remained classified, President Donald Trump announced a second attack on a vessel in the US Southern Command’s area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean and Latin America. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that three people were killed, warning:

“BE WARNED — IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU!”

Though Trump has released edited videos of these strikes, information about their planning, execution, and legal justification remains unavailable to key members of Congress.

Congress kept in dark as military tightens secrecy

The Pentagon barred senior House staff and key oversight committees from a briefing on the Venezuela boat strike, citing enhanced security protocols. It has also withheld crucial details, including reports that the vessel had turned back toward shore before being struck and that survivors were killed in a follow-up attack.

Rep. Sara Jacobs criticized the Trump administration for conducting multiple unauthorized strikes and withholding information from Congress. Only a limited number of Armed Services staff received classified briefings, while committees responsible for overseeing war powers were excluded.

Legal experts call attack 'premeditated murder'

During classified briefings, Pentagon officials confirmed the Venezuela drone strike was part of an ongoing campaign, but no legal advisor was present to address its legality. While the Pentagon denies obstructing oversight, legal experts have challenged the operation's justification.

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Former Pentagon counsel Sarah Harrison called the strike “murder”, arguing that there was no self-defense basis and that designating cartels as "terrorist groups" does not authorize military force. She stressed the victims were civilians protected by law.

Absence of imminent threat challenges US narrative

“The killing of all 11 of these men was illegal. This was a premeditated murder,” Harrison added. “Under domestic law and international human rights law, lethal force is only justified in cases of imminent threat.”

Sarah Yager, Washington director at Human Rights Watch, warned that the president’s unilateral use of lethal force erodes accountability and the rule of law.

“This president believes that he can kill anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances and not have to rationalize it,” she said.

Lawmakers demand answers on war powers, authorization

Sen. Tim Kaine and over two dozen Democratic senators sent a letter to the White House demanding answers to 10 specific questions regarding the drone strike.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., has introduced a war powers resolution to terminate hostilities against Venezuela and organizations designated as "terrorist groups" by the Trump administration.

“This is why it’s never been more important for Congress to reclaim our war powers responsibilities,” Rep. Jacobs said.

Harrison also noted that those who carried out the attack under unlawful orders must be informed of their legal liability.

Trump administration escalates military presence in Caribbean

The Pentagon has dramatically increased its military footprint in the region. On Saturday, a US Navy destroyer boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat, detaining nine fishermen for eight hours in what Caracas called a “hostile” and illegal action. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the boarding as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.

“We don’t have anything to offer you on this,” a Pentagon spokesperson said when asked about the incident.

The US has deployed around 4,500 troops to the region, including Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, seven warships, and a nuclear-powered submarine. F-35 stealth fighters have landed in Puerto Rico, and MQ-9 Reaper drones have been spotted at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen. The US is also rapidly upgrading the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico.

Concerns grow over new 'forever war' in Latin America

Last month, Trump signed a secret directive authorizing military force against Latin American cartels, now labeled as "terrorist organizations". He also doubled the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million.

“Instead of interdicting it, on the president’s orders, we blew it up — and it’ll happen again,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Speaking to Fox News, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised ongoing operations and did not rule out regime change in Venezuela, saying it was a "presidential-level decision", adding, "We’re prepared with every asset that the American military has."

Rep. Jacobs warned that the Venezuela boat drone strike may mark the beginning of a new US military quagmire, saying, "We can’t let Donald Trump drag us into another forever war that our youngest generations will pay for with their lives and tax dollars."