The United States (US) Justice Department has told Congress that the Trump administration can continue its attacks on suspected Venezuelan drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean without prior congressional approval.

Since intensifying its “war on drugs,” the US military has carried out at least 15 strikes, targeting boats allegedly linked to narcotics operations.

Some American lawmakers have questioned the legality of the operations, citing the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires presidential notification and congressional approval for sustained military engagements. The law was passed after the Vietnam War to prevent undeclared conflicts.

T Elliot Gaiser, head of the Trump administration’s Office of Legal Counsel, argued this week that the strikes do not constitute: “hostilities” that would trigger the law. In a briefing to a small group of lawmakers, he said the operations focus on drug traffickers, considered terrorists in the legal opinion drafted by the Justice Department, and emphasise threats to American shores rather than an ongoing war.

The administration’s posture represents the most aggressive US military action towards Venezuela in decades. While strikes have targeted vessels, no operations have been launched on Venezuelan territory, and there have been no US casualties or retaliatory attacks from Caracas.