Trump Administration Divided Over Venezuela Military Operation

Breaking News: Rift in Trump World Over Venezuela A growing rift has emerged within the Trump administration over its handling of a recent military operation against a Venezuelan speedboat allegedly carrying drugs to the United States. On September 2, President Donald Trump posted a 29-second video on social media claiming that the US military had destroyed a high-prow, four-engine speedboat in the Caribbean, killing 11 individuals. The administration alleged that the vessel was smuggling drugs bound for the US. Timeline of Events September 2: Trump posts video on social media, claiming the US military destroyed the speedboat and killed 11 smugglers. September 3-8: No further information is released by the administration about the operation, including coordinates or evidence of drug trafficking. September 9: A scheduled briefing with the Senate Intelligence Committee to discuss the attack is canceled without explanation. Immediate Impact and Response The lack of transparency surrounding the operation has sparked concerns among lawmakers and experts. "We need clear answers on what happened," said Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The administration's silence has also raised questions about the legality of the killing, with some critics arguing that it may have been an extrajudicial execution. Background Context The Trump administration has been critical of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has maintained a close relationship with Russia and China. The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela in response to alleged human rights abuses and corruption. What Happens Next As the rift within the administration deepens, lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability. A Senate hearing is scheduled for next week to investigate the operation and the administration's handling of it. Meanwhile, experts are warning about the implications of such actions on international relations and human rights. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theintercept reporting.*