Overview
- Trump said he would speak with Nicolás Maduro "at some point" and would not rule out sending U.S. troops to Venezuela.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is operating in the Caribbean under Operation Lanza del Sur, with U.S. exercises coordinated with partners such as Trinidad and Tobago and activities reported in Panama.
- Since September, U.S. forces have carried out roughly 21 lethal strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, with about 80–83 reported deaths and limited public evidence made available.
- The State Department says it will designate the Cartel de los Soles a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 24, expanding authorities to target associated assets, as Washington maintains a $50 million reward for Maduro.
- Venezuela condemns the U.S. buildup as aggression, orders a "permanent vigil" and mobilization across multiple states, and signals any dialogue must be conducted face to face.