Overview
- The USS Gerald R. Ford transited the Anegada Passage, completing a roughly 12,000‑person U.S. naval deployment under Operation Lanza del Sur with about a dozen ships.
- U.S. forces have conducted 21 strikes on small boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September, with public tallies reporting at least 83 killed.
- The State Department announced an FTO designation for the Cartel de los Soles effective November 24, asserting links to Nicolás Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials.
- President Trump said he has “in a way” decided next steps, acknowledged the new designation enables actions against Maduro’s assets, and indicated possible discussions with Caracas.
- Venezuela condemned U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago exercises as irresponsible, ordered mass mobilizations and vigils, and regional actors voiced concern over escalation risks.