Overview

• After Venezuelan F-16s overflew the USS Jason Dunham in international waters, the Pentagon called the maneuver provocative and cautioned Caracas against further interference.
• The White House ordered ten F-35s to a Puerto Rico base to support Caribbean counternarcotics missions, joining destroyers, an amphibious group and a nuclear-powered submarine with more than 4,000 personnel.
• Trump said any Venezuelan military aircraft deemed a threat to U.S. forces will be shot down, speaking shortly after signing an order renaming the Pentagon the Department of War.
• U.S. officials said a recent strike on a boat tied to the Tren de Aragua killed 11 suspected members, a tactic defended as lawful self-defense and criticized by regional figures.
• Nicolás Maduro announced militia mobilizations, rejected the U.S. allegations and signaled willingness to open direct talks to prevent further escalation.