US Edges Closer to Venezuela Conflict as Trump Escalates Maritime Strikes

President Trump has escalated U.S. boat strikes near Venezuela, without ruling out hitting targets within the country, sparking concerns among lawmakers that the United States may be drifting toward war without a clear justification. The U.S. has been conducting maritime interdiction operations in the Caribbean Sea, aimed at disrupting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's alleged cocaine trafficking networks. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed their concerns about the escalating situation, with some warning that the U.S. may be taking a significant risk by engaging in military actions without a clear mandate from Congress. "We need to be very careful about what we're doing, and we need to make sure that we're not getting into a war without a clear justification," said Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, in a statement. The U.S. has been critical of Maduro's government, which has been accused of human rights abuses and corruption. However, some lawmakers argue that the U.S. should focus on diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Venezuela, rather than resorting to military action. "We should be working with our international partners to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Venezuela, rather than escalating the situation," said Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont. The situation in Venezuela has been marked by widespread protests, economic crisis, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The country has been under U.S. sanctions since 2017, and the Trump administration has been pushing for a transition of power. However, Maduro's government has maintained its grip on power, and the situation remains volatile. The international community has been watching the situation in Venezuela closely, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Maduro's government, and the Organization of American States has called for a peaceful transition of power. The United Nations has also been involved in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. The current status of the situation remains uncertain, with the U.S. continuing to conduct maritime interdiction operations in the Caribbean Sea. Lawmakers are expected to continue debating the situation in the coming days, and the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.