Trump’s private war has come under belated scrutiny by Congress, with a parliamentary inquiry by the Armed Services Committee summoning the leaders of Southern Command to answer for the unilateral military actions taken against Venezuela. Specifically, senators asked General Dan Caine and Admiral Mitch Bradley to account for the events surrounding the U.S. Navy’s attack on a civilian boat in international waters off the South American nation on September 2.

Many questions remain regarding the basis of the U.S. government’s ability to claim unilaterally – and without providing evidence – that the vessel was transporting narcotics. The administration has repeatedly stated it wants to interrupt the trafficking of fentanyl, which it deems to be a hostile act against the United States and therefore justification for military action in defense of citizens. 

However, data from anti-drug agencies like the DEA indicate that trafficking of that specific drug uses Chinese and Mexican routes to reach the flourishing North American market, while cocaine........

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