Overview

• The Pentagon characterized the attack on a Caribbean vessel as the opening move in an expanded operation against drug cartels, with officials signaling additional actions.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the strike by arguing the boat was headed toward the United States and said only destroying such targets will protect the country.
• Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said President Trump is prepared to go on the offensive in ways not used before and indicated the naval operation will continue beyond the initial hit.
• Trump said releasing video of the strike would serve as a deterrent and accused Venezuela of creating serious problems for the United States through narcotrafficking and irregular migration.
• Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro vowed the country will remain standing with “unshakeable faith in victory” and warned of a fierce response to any military intervention on Venezuelan soil.