Overview

• The New York Times reported the directive allows lethal covert operations in Venezuela and potential action against Nicolás Maduro’s government, which Trump declined to detail.
• Trump shared video of a new strike that he said killed six people; U.S. forces have conducted at least five boat attacks since Sept. 2, with the administration reporting 27 dead.
• The administration has told Congress it is in a non-international armed conflict with designated cartels and is treating them as unlawful combatants to justify military force.
• Bipartisan lawmakers and rights groups question the legal basis and oversight, and officials say the White House has not provided underlying evidence that the targeted boats carried narcotics.
• The U.S. has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean and posted a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, as Venezuela orders military exercises in response.