A senior Democrat in the U.S. Senate has raised sharp concerns about the Pentagon’s evidence following a deadly strike in the Caribbean that killed 11 people. The attack targeted a boat the administration claimed was linked to Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang, but lawmakers argue that the government has yet to provide convincing proof of those ties.
Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, pressed defense officials for details, saying the administration failed to show clear intelligence linking the vessel to gang activity or confirming that those aboard posed an immediate threat. He warned that without transparency, the strike risks undermining trust in both the Pentagon and the White House.
The Biden administration has defended the operation, insisting it was a lawful use of presidential authority to protect U.S. interests. Officials argued that the strike met Article II standards for the use of force, but critics say the lack of concrete evidence makes the justification weak. Lawmakers are demanding access to intelligence reports, legal memos, and the names of officials who authorized the mission.
The controversy highlights the broader debate over U.S. military actions against criminal and non-state groups. While the White House portrays the strike as a necessary step to disrupt dangerous smuggling routes, Democrats are warning against unchecked use of military power without verifiable evidence.
As Congress continues to push for answers, the incident may shape how future administrations handle similar operations—especially when legal justification and hard proof are in question.