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U.S. Deploys USS Gerald R. Ford to Latin America as Venezuela Orders 'Massive' Mobilization

Washington frames the mission as counter-narcotics operations under scrutiny for deadly maritime strikes.

Overview

  • U.S. Southern Command said the carrier strike group entered its area on Nov. 11 to support the president’s order to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
  • The USS Gerald R. Ford carries four F/A-18E Super Hornet squadrons and sails with three guided-missile destroyers, according to Southcom.
  • Venezuela’s defense chief announced nationwide deployment of land, air, naval, riverine and missile forces with the Bolivarian militia, and state media aired exercises he said drew 200,000 troops.
  • The UN human rights chief urged a U.S. probe into roughly 20 Caribbean and Pacific strikes that news reports say left 76 dead, citing strong indications of extrajudicial executions.
  • Colombia suspended intelligence sharing with Washington over the strikes and UK cooperation was reportedly halted, while Russia publicly condemned the operations.