Overview

• The Defense Department said two Venezuelan military aircraft flew close to a U.S. Navy vessel in international waters, calling it a highly provocative attempt to interfere with counter–narco-terror operations.
• The U.S. has confirmed a strike that destroyed a boat in the southern Caribbean and killed 11 people the administration says were Tren de Aragua members, but it has not provided names, evidence of affiliation, or details on the alleged drugs onboard.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said similar lethal actions will continue against designated narco‑terrorists, with Rubio asserting interdictions have failed and warning traffickers would be “blown up.”
• Legal and human-rights groups questioned the strike’s legality under maritime and international law, and the administration was due to send Congress a report Thursday outlining its rationale and claimed authority.
• Venezuela denied ties to the gang, questioned the authenticity of the strike video, and mobilized forces, while a U.S. intelligence assessment previously reported no evidence of coordination between Tren de Aragua and senior Maduro officials.