Trump Administration Sanctions Extrajudicial Drone Strikes on Venezuelan Waters

License to Kill: Trump's Extrajudicial Executions Raise Global Concerns In a shocking escalation of its international drug war, the Trump administration has authorized at least four targeted drone strikes off the coast of Venezuela, killing 21 people in the past month. The strikes, which mark a significant shift in the administration's approach to combating narco-terrorists, have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and experts worldwide. According to sources, including Intercept senior reporter Nick Turse, the Trump administration has been laying the groundwork to justify extrajudicial killings abroad and possibly at home. "The claims that they're going after high-level drug kingpins don't hold water," Turse said in an interview with The Intercept Briefing. "Trump is killing civilians because he suspects they're smuggling drugs. Experts I talk to say this is illegal, outright murder." Turse's comments were echoed by former government lawyers and experts on the laws of war, who argue that the administration's actions are a blatant disregard for international law. "This is not just about targeting suspected narco-terrorists; it's about creating a culture of impunity where the president can unilaterally decide who lives or dies," said one expert, who wished to remain anonymous. The Trump administration's claims that its actions are necessary to combat immigration and drug trafficking have been met with skepticism by experts and human rights groups. "There is no evidence to support these claims," said Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. "What we're seeing is a disturbing trend of militarization and disregard for human life." The drone strikes have raised concerns about the administration's willingness to operate outside of congressional oversight and international law. The United States has long been criticized for its use of targeted killings in countries such as Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia. However, the recent escalation off the coast of Venezuela marks a new low in the administration's disregard for human rights. As the situation continues to unfold, experts warn that the Trump administration's actions could have far-reaching consequences for global security and human rights. "This is not just about Venezuela; it's about setting a precedent for extrajudicial killings worldwide," said Turse. "We need to hold the administration accountable for its actions and ensure that they respect international law." Background: The Trump administration's approach to combating narco-terrorists has been marked by a growing reliance on military force and targeted killings. In 2019, the administration launched a series of airstrikes against suspected drug traffickers in Colombia, which resulted in the deaths of several civilians. International Perspectives: The international community has condemned the Trump administration's actions, with many countries expressing concern about the escalation of violence off the coast of Venezuela. The European Union, the United Nations, and human rights groups have all called for greater transparency and accountability from the administration. Current Status: As the situation continues to unfold, experts warn that the Trump administration's actions could have far-reaching consequences for global security and human rights. The administration has thus far refused to comment on the drone strikes or provide any evidence of its claims about suspected narco-terrorists. Next Developments: The situation is likely to continue unfolding in the coming weeks, with experts warning that the Trump administration's actions could lead to further escalation and violence off the coast of Venezuela. The international community will be closely watching the situation, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from the administration. *Reporting by Theintercept.*