Overview
- USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group were diverted from the Mediterranean and are expected in the Caribbean within days, expanding U.S. firepower near Venezuela.
- The Pentagon says a U.S. airstrike on a suspected drug‑smuggling vessel in international waters killed three people.
- SOUTHCOM released video of Marines conducting amphibious landing and infiltration training in Puerto Rico.
- Reuters documented refurbishment at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base and new infrastructure at Puerto Rico and St. Croix airports, signaling preparation for sustained operations.
- The Justice Department told Congress the raids on alleged traffickers do not trigger War Powers limits, as Moscow warns against excessive force and hints at arms for Caracas while President Trump says Maduro’s “days are numbered” but denies an imminent attack.