"The strikes on the Venezuelan boats allegedly carrying narcotics, which the administration has claimed were necessary because interdiction did not work, have been orchestrated through the homeland security council (HSC), which Miller leads as the homeland security adviser. Miller empowered the HSC earlier this year to become its own entity in Donald Trump's second term, a notable departure from previous administrations where it was considered part of the national security council and ultimately reported to the national security adviser."
"As a result, the HSC has taken the lead on engaging the Venezuelan boats, the people said, a situation evidenced by his top deputy, Tony Salisbury, and others being the gatekeepers to details about what boat to strike until they are about to occur. That was the case for instance with the second Venezuelan boat hit with hellfire missiles on 15 September."
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, led the Homeland Security Council (HSC) and played a central role in directing US strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats. His operational role at times superseded that of Marco Rubio, the secretary of state and national security adviser. The HSC orchestrated strikes on boats alleged to be carrying narcotics after the administration concluded interdiction had failed. Miller empowered the HSC to become an independent entity in Trump's second term, shifting authority away from the National Security Council. Deputies acted as gatekeepers for targeting details, and many officials learned of strikes only hours beforehand. The White House said Trump directed the strikes.
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