Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Venezuela Suspends US Attacks Probe
President Trump said that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed, which made people worried about possible US military action.
He also talked to Venezuela's president, Maduro, but didn't say how it went.
The US has been attacking boats they think are smuggling drugs, and some people say these attacks might be against the law.
Lawmakers are investigating to find out what really happened.
Trump says the operations are lawful, but some experts and lawmakers disagree.
Venezuela is upset and says Trump's warning is illegal.
The Venezuelan parliament has now suspended a session to investigate these attacks.
Venezuela's National Assembly suspended a session to debate forming a commission to investigate US attacks on suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
The White House confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized an admiral to conduct strikes that killed 11 people on a Venezuelan vessel.
An admiral approved a second strike on the boat, which the White House maintains was within legal rights.
President Trump defended Hegseth, stating he did not order the death of two survivors, but acknowledged the first strike was lethal.
Venezuela condemns the strikes as illegal and has rescheduled the parliamentary session for Tuesday.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, lawmakers from both parties
- What
- US military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels, Trump's warning to close Venezuelan airspace, allegations of unlawful orders to kill crew members
- When
- September 2, with ongoing investigations and escalating tensions
- Where
- Caribbean Sea, eastern Pacific Ocean, and Venezuela
- Why
- To combat drug trafficking, but allegations raise legal and ethical concerns, and to pressure Venezuela politically
US Government
Venezuela
Legality of Strikes
US Government
The US government maintains that the strikes were lawful and authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who approved an admiral to conduct the operations.
Venezuela
Venezuela condemns the strikes as illegal and unjustified, and has suspended a parliamentary session to investigate the attacks.
- Date of Incident
- September 2
- Location of Strikes
- Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean
- Alleged Order
- Kill all crew members of suspected drug-smuggling vessels
- Investigating Committees
- House and Senate Armed Services Committees
- Defense Secretary
- Pete Hegseth
- US Southern Command
- SOUTHCOM
- US Military Deployment
- Includes the world's largest aircraft carrier
- Venezuelan Response
- Condemned Trump's airspace warning as illegal and unjustified
Sources
Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump’s military strikes on boats
Venezuela’s National Assembly to investigate US boat strikes
Trump confirms call with Maduro, reveals why he issued sudden Venezuela airspace warning
'Wouldn’t say it went well...': Trump confirms call with Maduro amid escalating US–Venezuela tensions
Trump defends Hegseth, says he didn't order second strike on drug-smuggling vessel—'I believe him 100%'
Did Hegseth order killing of drug-boat survivors amid Venezuela conflict? Trump breaks silence
Congress seeks answers in ‘kill everybody’ strike report
Venezuelan parliament suspends session on US attacks investigation
US to Hit Venezuela? Trump's High-stakes Oval Office Meet as Hegseth Faces ‘War Crime' Scrutiny |4K
Venezuelan parliament suspends session on US attacks investigation
Who issued the drug boat ‘kill order’? White House confirms Pete Hegseth's role after Trump defends US Defence Secretary
White House: Admiral approved second strike on boat from Venezuela, was well within legal right to do so
White House Defends ‘Lethal Strikes’ On Narco-Terrorists | Karoline Leavitt Clarifies Hegseth’s Role
White House: Admiral approved second strike on boat from Venezuela, was within authority to do so
White House says admiral approved second strike on boat from Venezuela, defends attack as lawful
