U.S. Military Strikes in Venezuela Spark Catholic Debate on 'Just War'
The U.S. military has conducted a series of strikes against suspected drug smugglers in Venezuelan waters, with at least 17 deaths since 2021. The actions, authorized by President Donald Trump and his Secretary of Defense, have sparked debate and concern among Catholics worldwide, who question whether these operations align with the Church's 'just war' teachings.
The U.S. operations, including the use of warships and a nuclear submarine, targeted alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. The initial strike in 2021 destroyed a boat and killed 11 people, with at least two more attacks following. President Trump justified the actions as part of the U.S.'s ongoing battle against drug smuggling.
The Catholic Church's Catechism outlines three key criteria for a 'just war': rightful authority, last resort, and proportionality. However, experts argue that the U.S. actions may violate these principles. Msgr. Stuart Swetland, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy veteran, contends that the U.S. operations do not meet these criteria. Additionally, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for an investigation, asserting that the boat passengers were not drug traffickers but poor young people with limited options.
The U.S. military's strikes against suspected drug smugglers in Venezuelan waters have raised questions and concerns among Catholics worldwide. As the U.S. considers further expansion of its military powers against drug cartels, as proposed in draft legislation, the debate on the morality and legality of these actions continues. The Church's teachings on 'just war' remain a critical framework for evaluating such operations.
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