U.S. Strikes, F‑35 Flights Heighten Venezuela Tensions

The Trump administration has declared the United States to be in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels and designated several Latin American criminal groups as terrorist organizations, saying the move legally justifies deadly military action. U.S. forces have carried out at least four strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats off Venezuela, the most recent killing four people and bringing reported fatalities to at least 21, and Pentagon officials and the president released video and statements saying the vessels carried large quantities of narcotics bound for the U.S. A sizable U.S. naval task force and F‑35B live‑weapons training flights near Venezuela and Puerto Rico, along with alleged airspace incursions, have prompted Caracas to condemn the operations as provocations and violations of sovereignty. The administration frames the operations as self‑defense in international waters, but legal experts, some lawmakers and human rights groups question the legality and proportionality of summary lethal strikes and the president’s use of war powers without explicit congressional authorization. The developments have raised fears of broader regional escalation and prompted diplomatic and legal scrutiny.