High-Stakes Briefing: U.S. Military Actions Under Scrutiny

Top U.S. defense officials are set to brief key lawmakers about military activities amid growing U.S.-Venezuela tensions. The discussions follow an aggressive campaign against suspected Venezuelan drug smugglers in the Caribbean. The military buildup and operations have garnered bipartisan concern, particularly about legal adherence and humanitarian impact.

Top defense officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, will brief the 'Gang of Eight' lawmakers on sensitive military actions amid escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions. The meeting reflects heightened scrutiny over the legality and impact of recent military operations targeting suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.

The planned briefing, at 3:30 p.m., comes amidst President Trump's aggressive military campaign against drug operations in the Caribbean. This includes a significant U.S. military presence with warships and a nuclear submarine, as tensions rise over drug smuggling activities allegedly linked to Venezuelan operatives.

Concerns are mounting within Congress, partly due to controversial actions like attack videos showing vulnerable individuals in the Caribbean, which have raised questions of legality under the Defense Department's Law of War Manual. Admiral Alvin Holsey's unexpected early retirement from Southern Command adds further complexity to the unfolding scenario.

(With inputs from agencies.)