Overview
- The Defense Department announced the 'Southern Spear' mission after the USS Gerald R. Ford entered U.S. Southern Command’s area, adding to a large deployment that includes multiple warships, advanced aircraft and, according to CNN, roughly 15,000 personnel.
- Washington describes the build‑up as counter‑narcotics, with 17 maritime actions since September and at least 76 deaths reported, including four on November 14, while the U.N. human rights chief has questioned the legality as resembling extrajudicial killings.
- Trump was briefed this week on new military options for Venezuela and has approved covert actions inside the country, CNN reported, though no public decision has been made on launching major strikes.
- Analysts say Venezuela’s air defenses would be overmatched in a U.S. air campaign, yet any collapse of Maduro’s rule could trigger a power struggle, potential civil conflict or a military takeover.
- Regional dynamics are shifting as Panama hosts U.S. jungle training, Trinidad and Tobago resumes joint exercises, some partners such as the U.K. and Canada curb intelligence sharing, and Ecuador votes November 16 on allowing foreign bases.