Background on the Controversy
The number of alleged drug-trafficking ships attacked by the United States in Venezuelan waters is a subject of disagreement, ranging from four to six depending on who you ask. The latest confusion arose on Sunday when President Donald Trump announced another attack against a ship carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela the previous day.
Pentagon’s Lack of Confirmation
However, the Pentagon has yet to confirm this attack, and the White House did not respond to a request for clarification. Two US officials told Reuters that they are unaware of any similar operation on Saturday.
Growing Concerns Among Democrats and Experts
The unclear information adds to the mystery surrounding the attacks, which have alarmed Democratic lawmakers and some experts who believe Trump is testing the limits of presidential power by expanding its scope beyond legal boundaries.
Potential Mix-up with Previous Announcement
It remains unclear if Trump may have confused Saturday’s attack with one announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday in Venezuelan waters, resulting in the deaths of four alleged drug traffickers.
Previous Instances of Unclear Military Statements
This is not the first time US military officials have struggled to clarify Trump’s statements about US military activities in the Caribbean.
Confusing Statements on Drug-Trafficking Ship Operations
In September, Trump mentioned an operation against a drug trafficker’s ship that analysts considered either a third secret attack or a poorly worded reference to a Coast Guard operation that did not sink a ship but boarded it. Trump hinted at a secret or recently conducted operation when he said, “In reality, we sank three ships, not two. But you saw two,”
Publicly Known Information
Here’s what is publicly known so far:
- Trump or Hegseth have posted on social media about the attacks, including short video clips of the operations, a total of four times.
- According to Washington, 21 individuals on board the ships have died.
- The government has not disclosed any evidence against the ships or individuals, the types of ammunition or platforms used in the attacks, or even the quantity of drugs the ships were supposedly carrying.
Pentagon’s Notification to Congress
Last week, the Pentagon informed Congress, in a revised notice reviewed by Reuters, that Trump has determined the US is engaged in “armed conflict not of an international character” with drug cartels. The document aimed to explain the federal government’s legal justification for deploying US military force in the Caribbean.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How many drug-trafficking ships has the US allegedly attacked in Venezuelan waters? A: The numbers vary from four to six, depending on who is asked.
- Q: Has the Pentagon confirmed any of these attacks? A: No, the Pentagon has not confirmed any of these attacks.
- Q: What concerns have been raised by Democratic lawmakers and experts? A: There are concerns that Trump is testing the limits of presidential power by expanding it beyond legal boundaries.
- Q: Has there been a mix-up in Trump’s announcements regarding drug-trafficking ship operations? A: There is a possibility that Trump may have confused Saturday’s attack with one announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.
- Q: What is publicly known about these alleged attacks? A: Trump or Hegseth have posted about the attacks on social media four times, resulting in 21 reported deaths. However, specific details like evidence, ammunition types, and drug quantities remain undisclosed.
- Q: What justification has the US government provided for military actions in the Caribbean? A: The US government claims it is engaged in “armed conflict not of an international character” with drug cartels, as determined by Trump.
