Veterans Groups Criticize U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela's Waters

Veterans Organizations Express Concerns Over U.S. Military Actions in Venezuela Recent military actions by the United States targeting Venezuela have drawn sharp criticism from veterans' organizations, who are voicing concerns regarding the constitutionality and implications of these operations. The military's operations, reportedly connected to drug trafficking, have raised questions about legal authority and potential consequences for civilians. Max Rose, a former New York Representative and senior advisor for VoteVets, stated on October 31, “Let’s be very clear: this is unconstitutional. If the United States is going to go to war, it requires Congress’ approval.” This sentiment reflects a growing unease about the executive power being exercised without congressional consent. Since August, U.S. forces have reportedly destroyed 20 fishing vessels in the Caribbean, claiming they were part of a drug trafficking operation linked to Venezuela. However, no public evidence has been presented to support these allegations. The actions have resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 79 individuals from Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago reported dead. In response to the heightened U.S. military presence, which includes the deployment of an aircraft carrier near Venezuela, the Venezuelan military has raised its alert status, signaling readiness for potential confrontations. Rose further criticized the situation, asserting, “We have to put our foot down, not only in objection to this decision, but to the steps this administration is taking to put us on the road to yet another forever war.” Former President Donald Trump, who had campaigned on reducing foreign military involvements, has attracted scrutiny for his recent military decisions, including ordering airstrikes in Iran and navigating a complex ceasefire situation between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas remain precarious, with ongoing talks reported by Politico. On November 6, efforts by Senate Democrats to prevent further military actions against Venezuela faced a setback when a resolution was blocked by Republican lawmakers. Jose Vasquez, the executive director of Common Defense, remarked, “The failure by the Senate to block his unauthorized military actions is a disservice to the rule of law. In our democracy, no president should have the power to start a war on his own.” Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran, echoed these sentiments, stating, “If Trump believes war is necessary, he must bring his case to Congress and prove why it’s worth turning more moms and dads into Gold Star parents. Let Congress debate. Let us vote. It’s our duty.” Legal experts have raised doubts about the legality of the military actions against fishing vessels, particularly in light of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. Oona Hathaway, a professor at Yale Law School, stated, “The decision to blow up the boat and kill everyone on board when interdiction and detention was a clearly available option is manifestly illegal and immoral,” as reported by CNN. Public opinion also indicates significant resistance to increased military involvement in Venezuela. A YouGov poll shows that 62% of American voters oppose military action, with only 22% undecided. Among independent voters, 63% disapprove of such actions. VoteVets commented on social media, asserting, “Disguising the largest military buildup in decades off Venezuela as a ‘counternarcotics’ mission doesn’t hide the truth. The Trump administration is manufacturing a new Forever War.”