Overview
- U.S. Southern Command has surged forces into the southern Caribbean, including B-52 bombers, Marine F-35s, multiple Navy warships, an amphibious ready group and a reported nuclear attack submarine, with expanded operations staged from Puerto Rico.
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force to coordinate air, maritime and special-operations missions across the theater.
- The military has conducted at least seven lethal strikes on suspected drug boats, killing more than two dozen people, as Colombia alleges one victim was an innocent fisherman and two recent survivors were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.
- President Trump has authorized the CIA to take covert action related to Venezuela, the administration doubled its reward for information leading to Nicolás Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, and reporting describes additional agency personnel sent to the region.
- Congressional oversight efforts are accelerating, with House leaders seeking hearings, senators introducing a resolution to bar hostilities in Venezuela, the SOUTHCOM commander announcing an early retirement, and Colombia recalling its ambassador as Trump moves to cut U.S. subsidies.