Overview
- The administration argues drone-launched attacks on suspected drug boats from Navy ships in international waters do not place U.S. personnel in danger and therefore fall outside the War Powers Resolution.
- The 60-day notification period ended Monday and operations have continued, with a weekend strike killing three and at least 15 strikes destroying 16 vessels and leaving 64 people reported dead.
- Justice Department lawyers have outlined the view to lawmakers, citing prior OLC opinions and Libya-era precedent, even as the administration has described a non‑international armed conflict with cartels labeled as terrorist groups.
- Senate Armed Services leaders Roger Wicker and Jack Reed are demanding execute orders, the OLC legal rationale, and designation lists, and Reed says the Pentagon has promised to provide materials.
- A bipartisan resolution led by Sens. Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul could get a vote as soon as Wednesday to halt the strikes, as the U.S. expands its regional military presence and officials have raised possible targets on Venezuelan soil.