US Vice President Vance Defends Airstrike Killing 11 Near Venezuela

The Trump administration has authorized a U.S. military airstrike against a Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, recently designated as a terrorist organization. The strike killed 11 suspected traffickers, prompting Vice President JD Vance to defend it as the military's proper use, emphasizing the priority of targeting cartels that harm American citizens. President Trump reinforced this hardline stance, warning drug traffickers via social media and threatening to shoot down Venezuelan jets that threaten U.S. assets. The administration, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, vowed continued aggressive military actions against designated narco-terrorist groups, deploying additional forces and assets to the Caribbean. However, critics and international law experts argue the strike may violate international law, with concerns about the lack of imminent threat and proper legal authorization, a debate underscored by lawmakers like Sen. Tim Kaine who plan to scrutinize the legality of the operation. The White House maintains the strike was lawful and necessary to defend vital U.S. national interests amid growing tensions involving Venezuela and Russia.