Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a U.S. drone strike in the eastern Pacific killed two people on Tuesday, marking the 16th operation since September with at least 66 fatalities reported.
- Top Justice Department lawyer T. Elliot Gaiser told lawmakers the War Powers Resolution does not apply to these actions, and the 60‑day clock that started in early September expired without a request for authorization.
- Officials say the strikes are conducted from international waters using unmanned systems, while Congress from both parties is pressing for legal opinions, targeting criteria and details on those killed.
- Reporting from multiple outlets says the White House is reviewing options that could include airstrikes inside Venezuela, special operations and potential seizure of oil facilities, though no decision has been announced.
- The U.S. has surged forces to the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford heading to the Caribbean, bombers flying show-of-force missions and roughly 10,000 personnel deployed, as senators prepare renewed efforts to curb unilateral military action.