Trump Administration Authorizes Deadly Drone Strikes on Venezuelan Waters

License to Kill: Trump's Extrajudicial Executions Raise Alarms Globally In a shocking escalation of its "war on drugs," 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, aimed at suspected narco-terrorists, have sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about the administration's disregard for due process. According to sources, including Intercept senior reporter Nick Turse, the Trump administration is using a broad definition of "narco-terrorism" to justify the killings. Turse, who appeared on The Intercept Briefing this week alongside investigative journalist Radley Balko, stated that "the administration's claims about going after high-level drug kingpins don't hold water." Instead, he said, "Trump is killing civilians because he suspects they're smuggling drugs." The strikes have been carried out without congressional oversight, sparking concerns about the administration's willingness to disregard international law. Experts, including former government lawyers and experts on the laws of war, have denounced the killings as "outright murder." "This is a dark shift in the administration's approach to what it's framing as an international drug war," said Turse. "It's a license to kill, and it's being done without any accountability or transparency." The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that immigration and drug trafficking are driving crime, but experts say this narrative is unfounded. The strikes have also raised concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and the lack of due process. "This is not just about killing suspected narco-terrorists; it's about creating a culture of impunity," said Radley Balko, investigative journalist and author. "The administration is using this as an excuse to kill people without trial or conviction." The global community has responded with outrage to the Trump administration's actions. The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to the strikes, citing concerns about human rights and international law. "This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law," said a UN spokesperson. "We urge the administration to respect the principles of due process and human rights." As the situation continues to unfold, experts warn that the Trump administration's actions may have far-reaching consequences for global security and human rights. "The implications are dire," said Turse. "This sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit, and it creates a culture of impunity that will have devastating consequences for civilians around the world." The situation remains fluid, with reports suggesting that additional strikes may be planned. The Trump administration has yet to comment on the allegations. Background The Trump administration's "war on drugs" has been marked by controversy and criticism from human rights groups and international organizations. In 2019, the administration launched a series of targeted drone strikes in Yemen, killing several civilians and sparking concerns about civilian casualties. Additional Perspectives Experts say that the Trump administration's actions are not only illegal but also counterproductive to global security efforts. "This approach is a recipe for disaster," said a former government lawyer. "It creates more problems than it solves, and it undermines trust in international institutions." The situation has also sparked concerns about the potential for escalation and the impact on regional stability. "The Trump administration's actions are not only a threat to human rights but also to global security," said a UN spokesperson. "We urge the administration to reconsider its approach and engage in constructive dialogue with the international community." *Reporting by Theintercept.*