Trump's Terms Lawmakers vow to increase oversight on Trump's military strikes on boats
Dec 1, 2025
John Otis, an NPR reporter stationed in Colombia, dives into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. He discusses alarming claims that a recent U.S. boat strike may have resulted in war crime, highlighting 21 destroyed boats and 83 casualties, including survivors allegedly killed in a secondary strike. Otis shares Senator Tim Kaine's concerns about the legality of these actions and reveals how lawmakers are demanding stricter oversight. With Trump's warnings to airlines and discussions about troop movements, the potential for broader conflict looms large.
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Unverified Boat Strikes Escalate Tensions
- U.S. forces have destroyed 21 boats and killed 83 people while the administration hasn't publicly shown evidence the boats carried drugs.
- That gap raises international-law and oversight concerns as the strikes escalate tensions with Venezuela.
Alleged Kill Order Sparks War Crime Claims
- Reporting suggested an order to "kill everyone" aboard one struck boat and that survivors were later killed in a second strike.
- Lawmakers and the U.N. say that conduct, if true, could amount to war crimes and demands increased congressional oversight.
No Formal War, But Rhetoric Suggests Wider Aim
- Trump frames his actions as waging war on drug traffickers while there's no formal war declaration against Venezuela.
- Experts say the U.S. troop presence isn't sufficient for full regime takeover, so limited strikes or continued boat actions are more likely.