In September, the U.S. military conducted a strike against a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of 11 people. The aircraft involved was confirmed to be part of a fleet designed to resemble civilian planes, traditionally used for surveillance missions. This operation sparked significant controversy and raised questions about the legality of using military tactics that involve disguising military assets as civilian ones, which could potentially violate international laws of armed conflict. Moreover, the subsequent follow-up strike that killed two survivors after the initial attack intensified concerns about adherence to military protocols and ethical considerations in warfare. Senator Richard Blumenthal voiced severe doubts regarding the legal framework surrounding this operation, highlighting the aspect of 'perfidy' in warfare, where troops cannot impersonate civilians without incurring potential war crimes. Despite the U.S. Defense Department's assertion that all aircraft undergo a rigorous procurement process to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, critics question the legitimacy of such operations. The legal opinions supporting the military's actions, which detail the rationale for these strikes, have not been made public, increasing calls for transparency. The strikes come amid the Trump administration's wider strategy of applying military pressure on Venezuela under the pretext of countering drug trafficking. This policy has included a series of operations against alleged drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in numerous fatalities. The striking operations also coincide with political maneuvers aimed at destabilizing the Venezuelan government, including targeting President Nicolás Maduro with drug trafficking charges. Lawmakers are questioning the ethical implications and legal basis for these military actions, prompting discussions about war powers and the appropriate limits of military engagement without congressional authorization. Recent deliberations have led to attempts in Congress to pass a war powers resolution to restrict further military actions in Venezuela, reflecting growing unease within legislative chambers about the administration's approach towards foreign military intervention and its consequences.