Background: Since early September, the U.S. has conducted at least 22 air strikes on small vessels off the coast of Venezuela killing a total of 87 people. U.S. officials allege the boats were transporting large amounts of drugs, however they have yet to provide evidence for those claims. Latin American leaders have accused the U.S. of murdering innocent civilians. Such extrajudicial killings without due process are illegal under domestic and international law.  

The U.S. has reportedly moved a substantial number of warships, planes, and personnel into the Caribbean Sea and officials have confirmed the CIA is present in Venezuela. The President and other U.S. officials have repeatedly threatened to begin striking targets on land. The history of U.S. intervention in the hemisphere demonstrates that this could lead to more conflict and chaos.  

While MCC does not have partners in Venezuela, there are Anabaptist churches — and the prospect of military violence anywhere in the world weighs heavily on our hearts. MCC partners in Colombia and throughout Latin America could also see an increase in migrants fleeing Venezuela if the situation continues to deteriorate. Violence is never a path to stability or long-term peace.  

A Senate resolution to reassert congressional authority over these strikes was narrowly rejected in October. A new resolution to restrain the strikes (H.Con.Res. 64) will be voted on in the House of Representatives this week.  

Faith Reflection: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9 NIV) 

Action: Please contact your Representatives and urge them to vote YES on H.Con.Res 64! 

Photo above: Páramo landscape outside of Bogotá, Colombia. MCC photo/Rebekah York