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US House Speaker says army operation in Venezuela is decisive, justified
(MENAFN) Senior US officials on Monday pushed back against accusations that Washington is occupying Venezuela, defending the recent military operation as lawful and necessary while placing blame for violence and drug trafficking on detained President Nicolas Maduro.
Speaking to reporters, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives described the operation as legitimate and forceful, arguing that Maduro bears responsibility for widespread harm caused by years of narcotics trafficking and the movement of violent criminal networks into the United States, according to reports.
"The US military operation in Venezuela was a decisive and justified action. Nicolas Maduro is responsible for the deaths of untold thousands of Americans, after years of trafficking illegal drugs and violent cartel members into our country," Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill.
The comments followed a confidential briefing provided to congressional leadership regarding the military action ordered by President Donald Trump over the weekend. That operation resulted in the detention of Maduro and his wife, first lady Cilia Flores, as stated by officials.
Addressing concerns about a broader conflict or occupation, the House speaker rejected such claims outright.
"We are not at war, we do not have US armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country," Johnson said.
He also emphasized Congress’s oversight responsibilities, noting that lawmakers remain actively engaged in monitoring developments related to US involvement in Venezuela.
According to briefings, Monday’s session with the so-called Gang of Eight represented the 20th bipartisan update on the situation, with a full briefing for all members of Congress expected later in the week.
Responding to criticism from some lawmakers, the speaker argued that existing legislation does not obligate the administration to seek advance approval or provide prior notice under the circumstances.
"Despite the claims by some of my colleagues, under the War Powers Act, there is no requirement for prior Congressional approval or prior notification," he said.
Speaking to reporters, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives described the operation as legitimate and forceful, arguing that Maduro bears responsibility for widespread harm caused by years of narcotics trafficking and the movement of violent criminal networks into the United States, according to reports.
"The US military operation in Venezuela was a decisive and justified action. Nicolas Maduro is responsible for the deaths of untold thousands of Americans, after years of trafficking illegal drugs and violent cartel members into our country," Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill.
The comments followed a confidential briefing provided to congressional leadership regarding the military action ordered by President Donald Trump over the weekend. That operation resulted in the detention of Maduro and his wife, first lady Cilia Flores, as stated by officials.
Addressing concerns about a broader conflict or occupation, the House speaker rejected such claims outright.
"We are not at war, we do not have US armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country," Johnson said.
He also emphasized Congress’s oversight responsibilities, noting that lawmakers remain actively engaged in monitoring developments related to US involvement in Venezuela.
According to briefings, Monday’s session with the so-called Gang of Eight represented the 20th bipartisan update on the situation, with a full briefing for all members of Congress expected later in the week.
Responding to criticism from some lawmakers, the speaker argued that existing legislation does not obligate the administration to seek advance approval or provide prior notice under the circumstances.
"Despite the claims by some of my colleagues, under the War Powers Act, there is no requirement for prior Congressional approval or prior notification," he said.
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