Urgent Calls for Transparency as U.S. Strikes in Caribbean Surge

UPDATE: The U.S. military has conducted 21 strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since early September 2023, resulting in at least 83 fatalities. This alarming escalation raises urgent questions about the administration’s transparency and accountability in military operations.

As U.S. naval forces intensify their presence near Venezuela, critics worry that these actions may mirror the lead-up to past conflicts. The Trump administration describes the buildup as counter-narcotics operations, but analysts see troubling parallels to the Vietnam War, particularly the infamous Gulf of Tonkin incident, which propelled the U.S. into a lengthy military engagement without a formal declaration of war.

In a time when military operations are shrouded in secrecy, the lack of public evidence surrounding these recent strikes is concerning. No names of targets, cargo manifests, or photographic evidence have been released, leading to calls for greater transparency regarding the lethal force employed. The public deserves to understand the criteria for determining “hostile intent” and the intelligence backing such significant decisions.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Congress has remained largely silent. Representative Jen Kiggans, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has not called for unclassified briefings on these operations. This lack of oversight could endanger lives and set a dangerous precedent for future military actions.

Military families across regions like Hampton Roads, home to the world’s largest naval base, feel the weight of these decisions. Every deployment means potential separation from loved ones, and each unexplained escalation heightens anxiety in their homes. The necessity for clarity before sending service members into harm’s way is critical.

Historically, covert missions with vague justification have led to prolonged conflicts, with each promise of “never again” echoing in the background. As contingency plans reportedly develop for possible actions in Venezuela, the risk of repeating past mistakes looms large.

Congress must reclaim its constitutional responsibility in war-making. Lawmakers should demand unclassified briefings on the recent operations and insist that the Pentagon provide timely notifications whenever lethal force is exercised outside declared combat zones. Updating the War Powers Resolution is essential to prevent open-ended “shadow wars” lacking meaningful oversight.

Military intervention should always be the last resort, not the default option. Instead, Washington should prioritize diplomacy, regional cooperation, and development to address the root causes of narcotics trafficking. Historical evidence shows military might alone often exacerbates these challenges.

Strengthening oversight is not a sign of weakness; it is a hallmark of a confident nation committed to accountability. As tensions escalate, Congress must ask tough questions, or the American public must insist they do so, to prevent further loss of life in yet another ill-conceived conflict. The stakes are high, and transparency is critical to ensuring that military action is justified and necessary.