Recent military actions by the United States in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have raised significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability. Since early September 2023, the U.S. military has conducted 21 strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in at least 83 fatalities. These operations fall under the newly established Joint Task Force Southern Spear and are part of a broader naval presence near Venezuela, which some analysts interpret as a potential prelude to military conflict.
Historical Context and Current Concerns
The situation echoes past incidents, notably the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, when the Johnson administration misrepresented an attack on U.S. destroyers to justify escalating military involvement in Vietnam. Declassified information later revealed that the alleged second attack likely never occurred. This historical precedent underscores the dangers of acting on uncertain evidence, particularly when it comes to military interventions.
Currently, the Trump administration presents the naval buildup as a counter-narcotics initiative. Yet, many observers argue that the aggressive posture resembles early stages of previous conflicts. Critics caution that even a minor incident could escalate into broader military action against Venezuela, a scenario that is increasingly concerning given the administration’s previous use of force for political purposes.
Earlier this year, federalized troops were deployed in Los Angeles, a move widely viewed as an attempt to provoke unrest. This incident exemplifies a troubling impulse to create confrontations that justify further military force. The stakes rise significantly on the international stage, where military actions carry profound implications.
Need for Transparency and Oversight
Despite the serious consequences of these strikes, the U.S. administration has not provided any public evidence to support the use of lethal force. There have been no disclosures of the identities of those targeted, the nature of their activities, or the intelligence that justified such actions. This lack of transparency is incompatible with the principles of a constitutional republic.
Key questions remain unanswered: Who are the targets? What constitutes “hostile intent”? How is intelligence verified before lethal force is employed? These inquiries are vital for ensuring democratic oversight and should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
Congress has been notably silent on these matters. U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has not publicly called for unclassified briefings or evidence related to the Southern Command strikes. This absence of inquiry reflects a concerning abdication of legislative responsibility.
While operational secrecy is sometimes necessary, unclassified summaries can still provide essential information about the legal rationale for military actions. The American public deserves clarity about when and why their government takes lives in their name. The historical record shows that covert or tenuously justified military missions often lead to prolonged conflicts, a cycle that the nation vowed to avoid.
As contingency planning reportedly continues for potential actions in Venezuela, the risks of repeating past mistakes loom large. For communities like Hampton Roads, which hosts the world’s largest naval base, these decisions are deeply personal. Each deployment means families are separated, and every unexplained escalation breeds anxiety among military families.
To prevent further misunderstandings and escalation, Congress must reclaim its constitutional role in military decision-making. Lawmakers should insist on unclassified briefings regarding the strikes and require timely notification whenever lethal force is used outside of formally declared combat zones. Moreover, the War Powers Resolution needs revision to safeguard against indefinite “shadow wars” that lack meaningful legislative oversight.
Lethal force should only be a last resort, not a standard operational policy. Washington must also prioritize diplomatic efforts, regional collaboration, and development initiatives to address the underlying issues that fuel narcotics trafficking. Relying solely on military might can often exacerbate these problems rather than resolve them.
Ultimately, oversight is not a sign of weakness; it is indicative of a confident nation committed to accountability and transparency. Before another conflict spirals out of control, Congress must address these critical questions, or the American public must demand action to prevent further loss of life in misguided military endeavors.
Retired U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Mike Williamson, who served for 20 years and held key positions within the military, emphasizes the importance of clarity and accountability in military operations. His insights reflect the necessity of a balanced approach that respects both national security and democratic principles.