The U.S. Strike on a Venezuelan Boat: International Law, Human Rights, & Legal Authority

On September 2nd, 2025, the U.S. Navy killed 11 civilians on a boat in the Caribbean Sea that President Trump claimed was operated by the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, who were allegedly carrying drugs bound for the United States. The response was swift. Legal experts weighed in on whether this attack was a violation of international law and if it was considered a criminal act against civilians. So is this attack on civilians considered a war crime? And how will Venezuela respond to this attack? On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins guest Dr. Anthony C. Arend, Professor of Government and Foreign Service and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University. Craig & Tony discuss the recent U.S. Navy attack on a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean Sea. We will talk about the specifics and legal issues behind the strike, and whether this was a violation of international law, and a criminal act against civilians.