Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance for his defense of a recent U.S. military strike against a Venezuelan boat linked to drug trafficking. The strike, which resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, has sparked significant debate among lawmakers.

Vance praised the operation on social media, stating, "Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military." His comments came after President Trump announced the strike, which targeted a vessel allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department.

In response, Paul condemned Vance's remarks, calling them "despicable and thoughtless." He questioned the morality of executing individuals without a trial, referencing the classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Paul tweeted, "Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?"

The debate intensified when social media influencer Brian Krassenstein criticized Vance's stance, labeling the act as a potential war crime. Vance retorted, "I don’t give a s*** what you call it," further escalating the exchange.

Paul's criticism highlights his long-standing opposition to military interventions, a position that has often put him at odds with both Republican and Democratic administrations. He has previously voiced concerns over U.S. military actions in various conflicts, including those in Iran.

The strike against the Venezuelan vessel is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking. Following the operation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the vessel was linked to a designated narco-terrorist organization. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico as part of its efforts against drug cartels.

Critics of the strike have raised legal questions, noting that Congress has not officially classified the Tren de Aragua gang as an enemy combatant. Despite this, Vance has emerged as a staunch supporter of the military action, arguing that it is necessary to protect American citizens from drug-related violence.

As tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela escalate, the Trump administration has indicated that similar military actions may occur in the future. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the mission "won’t stop with just this strike," signaling a potential increase in U.S. military operations targeting international drug smugglers.