Overview
- U.S. officials say the USS Gerald R. Ford and its escorting warships are moving from the Mediterranean toward the Caribbean, adding carrier-based air power to an already large naval presence.
- The Pentagon confirmed a recent strike in international waters killed three people it identified as narcotraffickers, continuing a series of attacks on suspected smuggling vessels.
- U.S. Southern Command released video of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting amphibious landing and infiltration drills in Puerto Rico.
- Reuters-documented work to refurbish the former Roosevelt Roads base and upgrades at airports in Puerto Rico and St. Croix indicate preparations for sustained operations and increased air traffic.
- The Justice Department informed Congress the raids do not meet the War Powers Resolution’s ‘hostilities’ threshold, as Russian officials warned against excessive force and suggested potential weapons support to Caracas.