Overview
- Reuters, citing a U.S. official, reported a new strike on Thursday against a vessel in the Caribbean believed to be carrying narcotics, with survivors from the crew.
- Admiral Alvin Holsey resigned as head of U.S. Southern Command less than a year into the post, with New York Times sources linking the move to political strain over Venezuela policy.
- The Washington Post reported early-October special-operations helicopter drills within 90 miles of Venezuela’s coast using MH-60 Black Hawk and MH-6 Little Bird aircraft.
- An unnamed U.S. official told the Post the exercises could prepare for a broader conflict with drug suppliers but should not be read as preparations for a ground invasion.
- President Trump said on Oct. 15 he authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela, which Caracas condemned as a grave breach of international law, as U.S. forces have destroyed several speedboats in international waters and media flag possible strikes on land sites in the coming weeks.