Rand Paul Reveals Venezuela Boat Attack Was a Drone Strike
A Republican senator has revealed that the U.S. military's attack on a boat in the Caribbean last Tuesday was carried out by a drone, sparking criticism from lawmakers and raising questions about the use of lethal force.
According to Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who made the revelation during an interview with The Intercept, the drone strike was a breach of long-accepted rules of engagement. "I don't oppose the use of drones in war, but I object to summarily killing people without due process," Paul said.
The attack on the boat, which occurred on September 2, 2025, was first reported by President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, where he posted a screenshot showing a U.S. military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have refused to confirm or deny the use of drones in the attack.
Paul's criticism comes after a back-and-forth with Vice President JD Vance on social media, during which Vance responded to Paul's suggestion that the strike was a war crime by writing, "I don't give a shit what you call it." Paul called Vance's comments "despicable and thoughtless."
The use of drones in warfare has been a topic of debate among lawmakers and experts for years. While some argue that they provide a more precise and effective means of targeting enemies, others raise concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability.
"This is a classic example of how the use of drones can be used to justify extrajudicial killings," said Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School who has written extensively on the topic. "It's a slippery slope that we're sliding down."
The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse around military actions. Trump's decision to post the screenshot on Truth Social was seen by some as an attempt to justify or glorify the attack, rather than provide a clear and transparent account of events.
As the debate continues, lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the Pentagon and the administration. "We need to have a more nuanced conversation about the use of drones in warfare," said Paul. "We can't just rely on the executive branch to make these decisions without oversight."
The incident is also being seen as a test case for the new AI-powered military systems, which are increasingly being used by the U.S. military. The use of drones and other autonomous systems raises questions about accountability and transparency in warfare.
As the situation continues to unfold, lawmakers and experts will be watching closely to see how the administration responds to these criticisms and what steps they take to address concerns around the use of lethal force.
Background:
The U.S. military has been using drones for years in various conflicts around the world. However, the use of drones has also raised concerns about civilian casualties and the lack of transparency and accountability.
In 2013, the Obama administration was criticized for its use of drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of civilians. Since then, there have been efforts to increase transparency and oversight around the use of drones.
Additional Perspectives:
"The use of drones is a necessary evil in modern warfare," said a Pentagon spokesperson. "We take all necessary precautions to minimize civilian casualties."
"This incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from the administration," said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who has been critical of the use of drones in warfare.
Current Status:
The situation remains fluid as lawmakers continue to call for greater transparency and accountability from the Pentagon and the administration. The incident is also being seen as a test case for the new AI-powered military systems, which are increasingly being used by the U.S. military.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the use of drones in warfare raises complex questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of technology in shaping public discourse around military actions.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
