Overview
- The USS Gerald R. Ford strike group is now operating in the Caribbean, bringing the regional U.S. deployment to roughly 12,000 personnel across nearly a dozen Navy ships after transiting the Anegada Passage.
- The State Department announced the 'Cártel de los Soles' will be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization effective November 24, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio linked the group to Nicolás Maduro.
- President Donald Trump said the United States could have discussions with Maduro and noted the FTO designation permits targeting assets, though he said no such action has been decided.
- U.S. forces reported destroying another suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific, leaving three dead and bringing the tally to 21 strikes and at least 80–83 fatalities since September as rights and legal questions persist.
- Venezuela condemned the buildup and called mobilizations and public vigils, while Trinidad and Tobago defended joint drills as training and rejected claims they foreshadow an attack.