With the death toll at 17 by month’s end, a member of the U.S. military involved in these strikes expressed fear that the campaign was illegal and sought legal advice. On Monday, The New York Times reported the military used an unmarked aircraft painted to resemble a civilian plane to conduct the first boat strike on Sept. 2. Woolford said he also spoke with another service member who reached out in October to express concerns they may be ordered to participate in future boat strikes. X / U.S. Southern CommandWhat’s more, the administration has not released any of the evidence it says proves the people targeted in the boat strikes were working for drug cartels. Naval War College, said the Maduro operation officially initiates a state of international armed conflict, triggering the Geneva Conventions and thereby raising the stakes of boat strikes if those targeted are affiliated with Venezuela.

Source: Huffington Post January 14, 2026 04:10 UTC