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3d ago

U.S. Strike on Boat off Venezuela Faces New Doubts After Briefings Say Vessel Turned Back

Senators say officials offered no conclusive proof of gang ties or destination, sharpening demands for the operation’s legal basis.

FILE - Soldiers raid the Tocorón Penitentiary Center, where the Tren de Aragua gang originated, in Tocorón, Venezuela, Sept. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)
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Members of the National Bolivarian Militia gather after responding to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's call to defend national sovereignty amid escalating tensions with the U.S., in Valencia, Venezuela September 5, 2025. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Hernandez/File Photo

Overview

  • Officials in closed briefings acknowledged the boat appeared to turn back after spotting U.S. aircraft and that it was struck multiple times after being disabled.
  • Defense Department briefers, according to Sen. Jack Reed and others, did not provide definitive evidence that the 11 people killed were Tren de Aragua members or bound for the United States.
  • The White House frames the action as lawful self-defense under Article II and the laws of armed conflict, a claim challenged by legal experts and lawmakers who note Congress has not authorized such force.
  • Venezuela expanded deployments of troops, police and militias to 284 locations, with President Nicolás Maduro declaring the nation ready for an armed fight.
  • Reporting indicates drones and potentially Special Operations forces carried out the strike, and officials signaled the U.S. military remains positioned for additional operations in the region.