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USS Gerald R. Ford Enters Caribbean as U.S. Expands Operation Southern Spear

A pending terror designation for 'Cartel de los Soles' signals pressure on Nicolás Maduro alongside ongoing lethal boat strikes.

Overview

  • The Navy said the carrier strike group transited the Anegada Passage and joined roughly a dozen U.S. ships with about 12,000 sailors and Marines.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the U.S. will list 'Cartel de los Soles' as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on Nov. 24, alleging ties to Maduro’s inner circle.
  • Since early September, U.S. forces have carried out about 20–22 attacks on suspected drug boats, with at least 80–86 fatalities and little public evidence released to substantiate targets.
  • U.S. Marines are conducting joint training in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Army says it is reactivating a jungle school in Panama as regional posture grows.
  • Venezuela denounced the buildup and says it has mobilized forces, while President Trump said he has "sort of" decided on next steps after repeated White House briefings.