John Otis

The strikes began as a way to put more pressure on Maduro, the now-ousted Venezuelan leader who the U.S.

accuses of drug trafficking.

But human rights groups describe the killings as unlawful executions.

For NPR News, I'm John Otis.

The attack occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean and killed two people, according to the U.S.

Southern Command.

A video of the operation shows a person on the deck of the boat as it speeds through the water, then a huge explosion.

It was the 35th

U.S.

attack on an alleged drug boat since September and brought the death toll to 125 people.

The strikes began as a way to put more pressure on Maduro, the now-ousted Venezuelan leader who the U.S.

accuses of drug trafficking.

But human rights groups describe the killings as unlawful executions.

For NPR News, I'm John Otis.

Freedom for political detainees has long been a key demand of the Venezuelan opposition.

Many have been held for years and subjected to torture and other cruel treatment.

In what it calls a move to promote national unity, the new Venezuelan government is starting to free these detainees.

Alfredo Romero heads Foro Penal, a Venezuelan legal aid group that works on behalf of political prisoners.

Some new releases are happening.

However, yeah, we are worried that it's been so slow.