Overview
- The USS Gerald R. Ford strike group transited the Anegada Passage on Sunday, joining nearly a dozen U.S. Navy ships and roughly 12,000 personnel in the Caribbean.
- The Pentagon says the deployment targets narcoterrorism under Operation Lanza del Sur, with about 20 lethal strikes on small boats since September and roughly 80 people reported killed.
- Trump told reporters he has “in a way” decided on Venezuela after briefings on a range of military options, as questions persist over the legal basis and transparency of recent maritime attacks.
- Trinidad and Tobago confirmed renewed joint exercises with U.S. forces this week near Venezuela, a move Caracas denounces as escalating pressure.
- Venezuela announced a ‘permanent vigil’ and mass mobilization in six eastern states, while the U.S. Army secretary said forces would be ready to act if ordered.