Overview

• The Pentagon has positioned seven warships and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, with three amphibious ships carrying more than 4,000–4,500 sailors and Marines, and is flying P-8 patrol aircraft in international airspace.
• Washington describes the mission as counter-narcotics, citing recent terrorist designations for cartels and a doubled $50 million reward for Nicolás Maduro, with Adm. Daryl Caudle saying the ships support operations tied to cartel threats.
• Venezuela has filed a complaint with the U.N., dispatched warships and drones to its coast, urged militia sign-ups, and announced 15,000 troops for the Colombia border, as Maduro declares there is “no way” U.S. forces can enter.
• U.S. officials say there is no announced plan for a land incursion, and experts note the force is substantial yet insufficient for an invasion, questioning its impact since much cocaine trafficking moves via the Pacific or clandestine flights.
• Anonymous U.S. officials have privately suggested the deployment could increase pressure on Maduro or echo past coercive operations, though the administration publicly emphasizes drug interdiction.