The Trump administration has carried out a series of military operations near Venezuela over the past three months, including attacks on alleged drug-smuggling vessels and the seizure of an oil tanker, in what officials describe as an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. At least 99 people have been killed in 26 known strikes, while the U.S. has deployed its largest regional naval buildup in decades.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of potential land operations in Venezuela, and on Dec. 16 ordered a blockade of all “sanctioned oil tankers” entering or leaving the country. The administration alleges that Venezuela’s oil is being used to fund drug trafficking, terrorism, and other crimes, though Caracas denounces the actions as theft and international piracy.
The military campaign began in September with the first strike on a suspected drug boat linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Subsequent attacks have taken place in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, often targeting vessels accused of smuggling narcotics. In addition to the strikes, the U.S. has sent guided-missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships, fighter jets, and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the region, bringing total troop presence to around 12,000.
Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns over the legality and transparency of the operations. Democratic leaders have criticized the administration for not providing sufficient legal justification and called for congressional oversight, while the U.N. human rights chief urged an investigation into the strikes, warning against extrajudicial killings.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. actions, mobilizing troops and volunteers for military exercises and insisting that Washington’s operations aim to force him from power. Trump, however, has indicated willingness to engage in discussions with Maduro without specifying details.
The campaign continues to draw scrutiny in Congress as lawmakers weigh potential limits on executive military authority, even as House Republicans rejected resolutions seeking to constrain the president’s use of force against drug cartels and Venezuela.