USS Gerald R. Ford Enters Caribbean as U.S. Expands 'Southern Spear' and Moves to List Maduro-Linked Cartel as Terrorist

Overview

• The U.S. Navy confirmed the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is now operating in the Caribbean under Operation Lança do Sul, reinforcing maritime counter‑narcotics patrols.
• U.S. Southern Command said a Nov. 15 strike on a Pacific smuggling boat killed three people, lifting reported deaths in roughly 21–22 actions since September to about 83.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the Cartel de los Soles will be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization effective Nov. 24, asserting Nicolás Maduro and senior allies lead it.
• Nicolás Maduro ordered a permanent mobilization across six eastern Venezuelan states and condemned U.S. military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago near Sucre state.
• President Donald Trump said he could hold talks with Maduro and signaled he has largely decided next steps, as allied governments and rights groups question the legality of the strikes.