Overview
- In a CBS interview, President Donald Trump said he doubts the United States will go to war with Venezuela and refused to discuss possible attacks.
- U.S. forces have conducted roughly 15 to 16 strikes on suspected narcotics boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September, with an estimated 64 to 65 deaths reported.
- NBC reports that preliminary training is underway for a potential Title 50 mission that could send U.S. troops and CIA officers into Mexico to target cartel leaders and labs.
- The Pentagon has increased its regional posture with the USS Gerald Ford in the Caribbean and Marine amphibious training in Puerto Rico, as flight restrictions referenced potential lethal force against threatening aircraft.
- The Justice Department told Congress the president does not need approval to strike suspected drug boats, and reporting says Nicolás Maduro sought military assistance from Russia, China and Iran.