Overview
- The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has entered the Caribbean, augmenting a regional buildup that includes additional warships, a submarine and F-35 aircraft under Operation Southern Spear.
- President Donald Trump said he would not rule out deploying U.S. ground forces in Venezuela and added he would probably speak directly with Nicolás Maduro.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the Cartel de los Soles will be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization on Nov. 24, alleging Maduro and senior officials lead the network, a claim Maduro denies and researchers dispute.
- U.S. forces have conducted roughly 21–22 strikes on vessels alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific in recent weeks, with publicly reported deaths exceeding 80.
- Human rights groups and some lawmakers have challenged the legal basis and transparency of the boat strikes, and Trinidad and Tobago’s leader said the country will not allow its territory to be used to attack Venezuela.