Overview
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth formally announced Operation Southern Spear, led by U.S. Southern Command, after months of maritime attacks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
- The 20th strike since Sept. 2 killed four people in the Caribbean this week, bringing reported deaths to about 80, according to Pentagon officials cited by multiple outlets.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. will not deploy forces or take unilateral action inside Mexico without a formal request, and President Claudia Sheinbaum said any U.S. intervention is ruled out.
- Media reports say senior U.S. officials briefed President Trump on military options that could include actions against Venezuela, while Caracas has mobilized defenses and Russia and Cuba warned against escalation.
- The Justice Department says the orders fall under laws of armed conflict, but the U.N. human rights chief urged a legality review over indications of possible extrajudicial executions, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 29% of Americans support such killings.