"Since the strikes began in September, at least 66 have been killed in 16 strikes in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, according to the administration. Trump said last month he approved covert operations in Venezuela, which was followed by orders to send a surge of U.S. naval forces to the waters off South America. Pentagon officials said the country's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, and its strike group, which marks 20% of the Navy's deployed warships is now headed for the region."
"On Tuesday, the White House disputed claims it wasn't being transparent enough with Congress regarding the strikes and military buildup in the region. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the meeting is a top example of their cooperation and said his appearance marks the ninth briefing so far. "The president made it very clear if senators want to understand the administration's operations against narco-drug traffickers, we are very happy to speak with them about that," she said."
Trump ordered a series of U.S. military strikes targeting alleged drug boats, triggering closed-door briefings with top congressional members. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed a dozen lawmakers, including leaders and top intelligence and armed services committee members. Legal analysts broadly described the strikes as illegal under U.S. and international law in part because Congress did not authorize them. The administration reported at least 66 deaths in 16 strikes since September. Trump approved covert operations in Venezuela and ordered a naval surge, including the USS Gerald Ford strike group. The White House defended its transparency while some briefings were limited and criticized by top senators.
Read at www.npr.org
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]