Overview

• President Trump said a U.S. strike in international waters killed three alleged “narcoterrorists” on a vessel in U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility and posted video of the operation.
• The new attack follows two earlier strikes this month that killed 14 people, bringing the reported death toll to at least 17.
• Venezuela began large-scale exercises on La Orchila island, denounced an “undeclared war,” called for a UN investigation, and received public backing from China.
• Senators Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff filed a privileged war-powers resolution to block further strikes, while some Pentagon lawyers privately question the legal basis and Republicans including Rand Paul voice concerns.
• The White House maintains the actions are lawful counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations, but it has not released corroborating evidence that the targeted boats were carrying drugs.