Congressman James Moylan said Jan. 3 that he is seeking confirmation from the U.S. Department of Defense on whether any servicemembers from Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are involved following the Trump administration’s announcement of a major U.S. operation in Venezuela.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a large-scale operation in Venezuela and that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country. The administration said additional details would be forthcoming.
In a statement, Moylan said his “immediate concern is for the people of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands — especially the families of our servicemembers.” He said his office had not received confirmation that any sons or daughters from Guam or the CNMI had been deployed to Venezuela or were involved in the operation.
Moylan said he is actively seeking information from the Defense Department to ensure the community has “clear and accurate information” and emphasized Guam’s role in U.S. national security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the territory’s long history of military service.
“Any major U.S. military action abroad underscores the importance of transparency with Congress and with the American people,” Moylan said, adding that this is especially critical for communities that disproportionately serve in the armed forces.
Moylan said he expects timely briefings to Congress regarding the scope, legal authority and objectives of the operation and will continue to monitor developments, with Guam’s servicemembers and their families as a priority. He said he would share verified updates as they become available.