Is the U.S. at war with Venezuela? Here's why the distinction matters so much

"The distinction, which some legal scholars dispute, determines what legal constraints apply, including the War Powers Resolution and the Geneva Conventions, which might protect Maduro as a prisoner of war. President Trump has threatened a second strike, and administration officials have suggested the campaign may notstop in Venezuela. The big picture: The overnight raidfollowed months of U.S.strikes on alleged "narco-terrorists" that killed dozens, along with seizures of vessels carrying Venezuelan oil."

"Yes, but: Legal scholars at national security journal Just Security argue the U.S. triggeredan international armed conflict, meaning wartime rules now apply whether the White House likes it or not. That includes Geneva Convention protections - possibly impacting detention standards and U.S. immigration policy, the writers note - including for Venezuelans in the U.S. and Americans in Venezuela. It also means Venezuela could legally target U.S. forces, write Michael Schmitt, Tess Bridgeman and Ryan Goodman."

The legal classification of recent U.S. actions in Venezuela determines applicable constraints such as the War Powers Resolution and the Geneva Conventions and could afford POW protections. President Trump has warned of a second strike and administration officials signaled the campaign may continue. The raid followed months of U.S. strikes on alleged "narco-terrorists" and seizures of vessels carrying Venezuelan oil, with at least 80 reported killed including military personnel and civilians. Officials said no U.S. forces are currently on the ground but the president retains the option to deploy troops. Legal scholars argue wartime rules now apply, affecting detention standards, immigration policy, and allowing Venezuela to target U.S. forces.

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