Overview
- The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group arrived in the Caribbean under Operation Lanza del Sur, expanding a force the Pentagon says numbers roughly 12,000 personnel on nearly a dozen Navy ships.
- U.S. forces have conducted roughly 20 lethal strikes on suspected narco‑boats since September, causing about 80 deaths, as Washington frames the mission as counter‑narcotics.
- President Donald Trump said he has "in a certain way" decided his next steps on Venezuela, and CBS News reported senior commanders presented updated options that include potential strikes and ground operations.
- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordered a "permanent vigil" and mobilization in Bolívar, Delta Amacuro, Monagas, Anzoátegui, Nueva Esparta and Sucre following the announcement of new U.S. exercises with Trinidad and Tobago.
- Opposition leader María Corina Machado urged security forces to "lower their weapons" and side with civilians, while UN human rights officials warned that U.S. attacks on vessels and the broader escalation risk breaching international law.