Category: CANA News

The main opposition party – We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) on Saturday called on the Irfaan Ali-led government to meaningfully engage the opposition on matters of national security through consultation, cooperation and institutional balance to present a coherent, national response to a regional crisis, in the aftermath of the fall of the government of Venezuela. ‘National security is not a party matter. It is not a PPP matter or an opposition matter. It is a Guyana matter,’ WIN said.

The party, in a statement has asked the President to immediately convene the meeting to discuss the potential security, humanitarian, and diplomatic implications of recent events in Venezuela, speak directly to the nation, outlining the government’s assessment of risks, preparedness measures, and Guyana’s position going forward.

‘Silence, exclusion, and executive control are not strength. In moments of regional instability, unity is strength, transparency is strength, and constitutional governance is strength.’

WIN also called for an immediate meeting to elect the Opposition Leader, enabling the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector to review collectively our security policy during this critical period.

‘A government that excludes half the electorate from discussions on national security weakens the country it claims to defend.’

Warning that the United States’ removal of Nicolás Maduro from power could worsen tensions between Guyana and Venezuela.

‘Those tensions do not disappear because of regime change; in fact, they may intensify in unpredictable ways. We cannot pretend that the risks to Guyana are not real and immediate and can include a number of possibilities that can leave Guyana even more susceptible to reduced security,’ said WIN which won 16 seats in the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections.

WIN said Guyana has had to continuously contend with sustained pressure and micro-aggressions from Venezuela arising out of its unlawful claim to Essequibo.

Those, that party said. could include the possibility of increased cross-border movement and refugee flows, retaliatory actions by Venezuelan actors operating within Guyana, heightened threats to Guyanese citizens and infrastructure, and economic and security instability, particularly in border and hinterland regions.

WIN said Guyana could not afford division or democratic paralysis at a time when regional tensions may spill over our borders. ‘Leadership now requires engagement, not avoidance; consultation, not control, and nationhood, not partisanship.’

Last year, a group of Venezuelans, along with Guyanese, were charged in connection with the bomb-blast death and injury to several others at a gas station in Georgetown.

Earlier in 2025, a police outpost and a Guyana Power and Light facility were bombed simultaneously. Three Spanish-speaking men are wanted for that incident.

With WIN contending that the US’ military action in Venezuela and the removal of Mr Maduro fundamentally alter the geopolitical and security environment in which Guyana operates, that party called for peace and stability in the Caribbean and South America through diplomacy, international law, and mutual respect.

But in Guyana, WIN said there must be national unity, institutional maturity and responsible leadership.

Meanwhile – the the 12-seat A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Saturday also appealed to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)-led administration for a national, unified approach to dealing with the humanitarian and security fallout from the strikes and arrest of Maduro and his wife.

The opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has issued an urgent call for the government to implement contingency measures to address possible security and humanitarian fallout from the United States’ pre-dawn military strikes on Venezuela. In outlining a four-point plan, the APNU called for the designation and preparation of reception zones at a safe distance from the western border, stocked with water, food, medical supplies, and shelter materials.

The coalition stressed that these measures must include a vetting mechanism to prevent infiltration and actions that could undermine Guyana’s national interest.

APNU said that while Guyana should maintain a posture of humanitarian assistance, the government must also clearly define and enforce security, registration, and screening protocols to ensure any influx of people is managed in an orderly, documented manner that safeguards national security.

‘The APNU, in light of the recent military strikes by the United States on Venezuela, urgently advises the Government of Guyana to immediately activate contingency plans for what this portends, particularly the potential humanitarian and security crisis along our western border,’ the coalition said in a statement.

President Irfaan Ali, in a brief comment to Demerara Waves Online News, said he had not yet seen APNU’s statement but reiterated that Guyana’s borders are being monitored.

He added that the country has experience ‘managing the situation along our borders’ in such circumstances.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles Saturday expressed concern over the safety of Trinidad and Tobago diplomats based in Venezuela, after the United States confirmed that it had captured President Nicolas Maduro and flown him out of the country.

‘We have taken note of the Prime Minister’s three-line statement this morning which made no reference to the fact that Trinidad and Tobago has an embassy with staff in Caracas. We place on record our concern for the safety and welfare of the staff and all T and T nationals in Venezuela,’ Beckles said in a statement. In her statement, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that Trinidad and Tobago did not participate in the United States military action against Venezuela.

‘Earlier this morning, Saturday, 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,’ Persad-Bissessar said in a statement posted on X.

‘Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,’ she added.

Beckles said ‘at this critical time we pray for peace to be restored, for calm to prevail, and for the safety and well-being of all those affected ‘.

She said that Washington’s actions in Caracas ‘are deeply troubling’ and that ‘while some information remains unclear and unconfirmed, any such development in our immediate geographic space is a matter of serious concern for Trinidad and Tobago, CARICOM, and the wider Caribbean.

‘Trinidad and Tobago consistently upheld the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,’ she said, adding that the People’s National Movement ‘reaffirms our party’s firm commitment to our country and all countries maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and we caution against actions that may further destabilise the region and endanger civilian lives.

‘We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint, respect international law, and pursue dialogue and diplomatic solutions. The protection and preservation of human life must remain paramount,’ the Opposition Leader said in her statement.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders met early on Saturday to discuss the United States invasion of Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

A brief statement issued by the CARICOM Secretariat said that the 15-member regional integration grouping ‘is actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries. ‘CARICOM will continue to update the people of the region as more information is received,’ the two paragraph statement added.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Saturday said that Trinidad and Tobago did not participate in the United States military action against Venezuela leading to Washington’s claim that President Nicolas Maduro has been captured and taken out of the country.

‘Earlier this morning, Saturday, 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,’ Persad-Bissessar said in a statement posted on X.

‘Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,’ she added.

Persad-Bissessar has been openly in support of the United States plan to deal with what it termed the illegal drugs trade, even as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) had been calling for the region to be maintained as a ‘Zone of Peace’.

Maduro had on Saturday declared a state of emergency over what his government called an ‘extremely serious military aggression’ by the United States on the capital Caracas.

Multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard around the city.

‘Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,’ the government said.

But US President Donald Trump in a statement said that Maduro and his wife, had been captred in the ‘large scale’ strike against the country and they have been flown out of the country.

Below is a New Year statement issued by Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow.

‘Fellow West Indians,

‘As we reflect on the journey behind us and look toward the path ahead, we do so with honesty, humility, and an abiding sense of purpose. The past year tested us in ways both seen and unseen. It was a year marked by loss, challenge, and sacrifice. Some who began the journey with us did not complete it, and many across our Caribbean family mourned loved ones of their own. These moments remind us that cricket, while deeply important, exists within the wider human experience that binds us all.

‘Yet through it all, the spirit of West Indies cricket endured. The love for this game, and for what it represents to our people, remained steadfast. It is this enduring passion that continues to rally us, even in times of difficulty, and it is the foundation upon which our future is being shaped.

‘On the field, we acknowledge that our performances have not consistently met the high standards our history demands or the expectations our people rightly have. Improvement is not optional; it is imperative. We are committed to strengthening our structures, supporting our players, and fostering a renewed culture of accountability, resilience, and winning intent. Progress may not always be linear, but the determination to improve remains unwavering.

‘Meanwhile, off the field, we navigated a challenging financial period. That reality has not disappeared overnight, and the year ahead will require continued prudence and responsible management. These are not easy choices, but they are necessary ones, taken in the long-term interest of West Indies cricket and its sustainability. We are committed to protecting the future of this sport and doing the necessary work to ensure such.

‘I can state with confidence that our relationships with leaders across CARICOM remain strong. While there may be differences of perspective from time to time, we continue to operate as a committed and respectful team, united by a shared belief in the value of West Indies cricket as a regional institution and a source of Caribbean pride. Dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect continue to guide those relationships.

‘West Indies cricket has always been bigger than any one era, any one team, or any one individual. It is a shared inheritance, carried forward by generations who believe in its power to unite, to inspire, and to uplift. We remain one West Indies family, bound by history and driven by hope.

‘On behalf of the Vice President and Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretariat, the Captains and teams, I extend my sincere thanks to the people of the region and the diaspora for your continued support, your patience, and your faith. As we move forward, we do so with renewed resolve, determined effort, and confidence that better days lie ahead.

‘May the year before us bring progress on and off the field, a strengthened sense of belief, and shared success for West Indies cricket.’

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley Saturday described as ‘uncharted territory’ the events that unfolded in Venezuela over the last few hours resulting in the invasion by United States military of the South American country and the detainment of President Nicolas Maduro, who now faces drugs and terrorism charges in the United States.

Mottley told a news conference that she had been in contact with fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders as well as the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett from early on Saturday morning leading to an urgent meeting of the leaders. She said that the meeting took place just before dawn ‘and at that stage we recognised it was too early for us to make any defining comment and that is still the position because as we speak matters are unfolding every half hour to an hour.

‘You are aware of the statements being made by different players with the President of the United States .to others,’ she said, noting that ‘where Barbados becomes affected it is on a number of areas’.

She told reporters that this is why Bridgetown has repeated on numerous occasions ‘that small states can only survive in the international rules based order and for us we have always said that conflict would have consequences’

President Donald Trump says the US is going to ‘run’ Venezuela ‘until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He sad US oil companies will fix Venezuela’s ‘broken infrastructure’ and ‘start making money for the country’.,

But in an address on state television, Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez says Maduro is the country’s only president even as Trump had earlier shared a photo he said was of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. The image shows him blindfolded and wearing ear defenders.

Maduro has been indicted in New York on drug and weapons charges. He has previously denied being the leader of drug cartel despite the US placing a ransom of US$50 million on his head. Venezuela has declared a national emergency, denouncing ‘extremely serious military aggression’.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has been the CARICOM leader most vocal in support of Washington’s claim to fight the illegal drugs trade in the region, issue yet another statement on Saturday saying her country ‘looks forward to renewed cooperation and the strengthening of our longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela in the coming years.

‘May God guide and protect them as they transition away from years of oppression and dictatorship onto a new pathway toward democracy, justice and prosperity,’ she said, after having earlier distanced Port of Spain from any involvement in the military action in Caracas.

Mottley told reporters that both Venezuela and the United States are ‘our friend’ and that in both instances we have family relationships with both countries.

‘By the same token the Caribbean Community has been the entity we have chosen as a matter of first principles to align our foreign policy with. When the heads of governments met this morning, all of the persons were not there because it was an emergency early meeting.

‘We took a decision that we will wait for other information to become present and when that happens we will certainly act collectively and I do not want in any way to prejudice the integrity of that consultative process with CARICOM.

‘Having said that I have been very clear that our principles are very very clear and that small states.can only survive in an international rules based order and that therefore anything that happens that run contrary to that would be of grave concern to us as a people in Barbados, but equally as to the region.

‘So without prejudice I will await any further consultation on the specifics of this incident, but I just share with you the principles that mean a lot to us beyond the normal international law of principles,’ she told reporters.

She reiterated that any statement from Bridgetown now would be just ‘conjecture’ urging reporters ‘to allow the events of the next few days to play out .

‘There are perspectives as to what have transpired in Venezuela that I suspect will continue to play out in the next few days. So I don’t think we are in a position to offer any meaningful commentary at this stage, what I can say is we are dealing with he consequences of a conflict and the consequences of the conflict have been exceedingly disruptive..

She said that while President Trump had indicated that there could e a second strike on strike ‘by the same token we are hoping and praying that there will be a de-escalation of any such conflict because as I have said over and over escalation of conflict and war does not serve any one’s interest

Barbados has always held the position where there can be dialogue, where there can be conversation, let s have it and et us see where we can find a common place,’ she said, adding ‘the truth is that’s why the UN system also exist and I fully anticiipate that they too will have to have a ventilation of these issues.

‘But at the same time wherever you started in this argument and to the perspective as to who is right and who is wrong, ;et us end up today.saying we praying for no further escalation. In fact we pray for de-escalation and we pray for dialogue.

‘We are now facing first hand how conflict can affect just not lives, but livelihoods in the southern and eastern Caribbean.and while Barbados is not the closest to Venezuela, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are, Grenada and St. Vincent and Barbados are the next line of countries.and among those five, Barbados perhaps has the biggest logistics hub for tourism’

Mottley tod reporters that as a result of the US military action a number of disruptions took place primarily with respect to Barbados’ airspace, with planes coming from the US being affected.

She said Barbados was affected by all registered US flights ‘and it is fair to say there were 13 inbound flights that were cancelled,’ adding that the Dutch airline, KLM and other flights were also affected.

‘For the most part, regional air travel continue to operate even though there is a tenuous situation and people are watching it because in some instances they may be affected by the closure of San Juan.

She said that the National Security Council of Barbados met this afternoon pointing out that Barbados is the closest hub to Venezuela in terms of tourism and as a result, the island would ‘inevitably be affected’.

She said efforts are being made to accommodate passengers who were due to fly out to Venezuela on Saturday.

‘We anticipate that this situation will remain fluid.and barring no new unforeseen circumstances in Venezuela that hopefully we can get back to some level of stability as soon as possible.

She said cruise ships were also being affected by the situation.

Mottley said that she had spoken to the Barbados ambassador in Venezuela, Aquinas Clarke, early on Saturday ‘and mercifully he has a military background and is not fazed .

‘There is no reports of any injuries to any Barbadians in Venezuela and for that we are grateful and we will continue to stay engaged with him’.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave alarm over the escalating conflict in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. ‘The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region,’ said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General in a statement.

‘Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,’ he warned. ‘The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter.

‘He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,’ added Dujarric, stating that Guterres ‘calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.’

With Saturday’s US military airstrikes in Venezuela and the reported capture of Maduro, Venezuela has requested an urgent United Nations’ Security Council meeting.

‘No cowardly attack will prevail against the strength of this people, who will emerge victorious,’ said Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto in a letter to the Council.

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has also called for emergency meetings of the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS).

‘The Government of Colombia rejects any unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or put the civilian population at risk,’ said Petro in several posts on X, formerly Twitter, adding that Colombia would ‘adopt a position aimed at preserving regional peace.’

He called for ‘urgent de-escalation’ of the conflict, ‘urging all involved parties to abstain from actions that deepen confrontation, and to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic channels.’

Earlier on Saturday, US Senator Mike Lee said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him that he ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela’ with the US military’s reported capture of Maduro.

‘He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,’ posted Lee on X, formerly Twitter, after he said he spoke directly with Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who migrated to Miami.

‘This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack,’ he added, stating that Rubio ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody.’.

Lee had earlier expressed skepticism about the US military action.

‘I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force,’ he wrote on X early Saturday.

In confirming US military strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, Trump wrote on his social media network, Truth Social, that Maduro and his wife were ‘captured and flown out of the Country.

‘The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader,’ he wrote.

‘This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement,’ Trump added. ‘Details to follow.’

Shortly afterwards, the US President described the US military operation as ‘brilliant.’

‘A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people,’ he told the New York Times tersely. ‘It was a brilliant operation, actually.’

But Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a US Marine Corps veteran, who was deployed to Iraq, characterized US strikes in Venezuela as ‘illegal.’

‘This war is illegal,’ he wrote on X early Saturday, adding that it was the ‘second unjustified war in my life time.’

Trump administration officials have reported that over 125 people have been killed in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since the US military attacks began on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in early September.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said his government is demanding ‘immediate proof of life from the government of President Donald Trump regarding the lives of President Maduro and the first lady,’ Cilia Flores.

While announcing a state of emergency, the Venezuelan government has also urged nationals to take to the streets in protesting the US military strikes.

‘People to the streets!’ demanded the government in a statement early Saturday. ‘The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.’

Meanwhile, some major US airlines have cancelled flights to parts of the region after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted them from flying to some Caribbean islands and territories.

American Airlines said in a statement that it was ‘aware of the airspace closures in the Eastern Caribbean that were issued in the middle of the night and is closely monitoring the situation with the FAA.

‘We are making schedule adjustments as necessary with the safety and security of our customers and team members top of mind,’ it added.

JetBlue also said that it has canceled over 200 flights ‘due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity.’

JetBlue however said flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not impacted by the FAA prohibition.

United States Republican Senator Mike Lee says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has informed him that he ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela’ with the US military’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

‘He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,’ posted Lee on X, formerly Twitter, early Saturday after he said he spoke directly with Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who migrated to Miami. ‘This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack,’ he added, stating that Rubio ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody.’

Lee had earlier expressed skepticism about the US military action.

‘I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force,’ he wrote on X.

In confirming US military strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, US President Donald J. Trump wrote on his social media network, Truth Social, that Maduro and his wife were ‘captured and flown out of the Country.

‘The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader,’ he wrote.

‘This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement,’ Trump said, describing the US military operation as ‘brilliant.’

‘A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people,’ he told the New York Times tersely. ‘It was a brilliant operation, actually.’

But Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, a US Marine Corps veteran, who was deployed to Iraq, characterized US strikes in Venezuela as ‘illegal.’

‘This war is illegal,’ he wrote on X , adding that it was the ‘second unjustified war in my life time.’

Both Democratic and Republican legislators have been expressing profound alarm over Trump’s escalating military build-up in the Caribbean Sea under the pretext of combatting narco-trafficking.

Trump administration officials have reported that over 125 people have been killed in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since the US military attacks began on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in early September.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Saturday said that Trinidad and Tobago did not participate in the United States military action against Venezuela leading to Washington’s claim that President Nicolas Maduro has been captured and taken out of the country.

‘Earlier this morning, Saturday, 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,’ Persad-Bissessar said in a statement posted on X. ‘Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,’ she added.

Persad-Bissessar has been openly in support of the United States plan to deal with what it termed the illegal drugs trade, even as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) had been calling for the region to be maintained as a ‘Zone of Peace’.

She had called for drugs dealers to be killed ‘violently’ even as political observers say that Washington was interested in regime change in Venezuela.

Maduro had on Saturday declared a state of emergency over what his government called an ‘extremely serious military aggression’ by the United States on the capital Caracas.

Multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard around the city.

‘Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,’ the government said.

But US President Donald Trump in a statement said that Maduro and his wife, had been captred in the ‘large scale’ strike against the country and they have been flown out of the country.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela’ with the US military’s reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This is according to Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah .

‘He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,’ posted Lee on X, formerly Twitter, early Saturday after he said he spoke directly with Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who migrated to Miami.

‘This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack,’ he added, stating that Rubio ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody.’.

Lee had earlier expressed skepticism about the US military action.

‘I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force,’ he wrote on X early Saturday.

In confirming US military strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, US President Donald J. Trump wrote on his social media network, Truth Social, that Maduro and his wife were ‘captured and flown out of the country.

‘The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader,’ he wrote.

‘This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement,’ Trump added. ‘Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today (Saturday).’

Trump described the US military operation as ‘brilliant.’

‘A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people,’ he told the New York Times tersely. ‘It was a brilliant operation, actually.’

But Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, a US Marine Corps veteran, who was deployed to Iraq, characterized US strikes in Venezuela as ‘illegal.’

‘This war is illegal,’ he wrote on X early Saturday, adding that it was the ‘second unjustified war in my life time.’

Both Democratic and Republican legislators have been expressing profound alarm over Trump’s escalating military build-up in the Caribbean Sea under the pretext of combatting narco-trafficking.

Trump administration officials have reported that over 125 people have been killed in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since the US military attacks began on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in early September.

US Senator Peter Welch of Verment has expressed deep concern over Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops, warships, and fighter jets to the region.

Welch emphasized in his speech on the US Senate floor that Congress must assert its authority under the War Powers Act before the United States takes further unauthorized military action.

The senator criticized the Trump administration for not providing Congress with enough information about recent military strikes and demanded more transparency and accountability.