(MENAFN) Thirteen Senate Democrats called on the Trump administration on Monday to declassify and release publicly the Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel’s written opinion concerning the U.S. military’s recent strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, according to reports.

In a letter addressed to the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense, the lawmakers stressed the need for transparency in explaining the rationale behind the use of lethal force.

"Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force," the senators, all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote. "We therefore believe that the declassification and public release of this important document would enhance transparency in the use of deadly force by our Nation’s military and is necessary to ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justification supporting these strikes."

To date, U.S. forces have conducted 21 attacks on vessels suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in at least 83 fatalities, with the administration describing the victims as “narco-terrorists.”

On Monday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that U.S. President Donald Trump has been “very satisfied” with the recent strikes. "You can expect to see those strikes continue," she added.

The U.S. has been increasing its military presence across Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines, and drones, amid speculation about a potential operation against Venezuela. Trump indicated on Friday that he plans to speak soon with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has said Venezuela is ready for “face-to-face” dialogue with Washington.

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