USS Gerald R. Ford Enters Caribbean as U.S. Ramps Up 'Southern Spear' Campaign

Overview

• The U.S. Navy said the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group crossed the Anegada Passage on Nov. 16 to support operations overseen by U.S. Southern Command.
• Southcom confirmed a Nov. 15 strike that killed three men on a suspected smuggling vessel, bringing reported deaths since September to roughly 83 across more than 20 actions.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the Cartel de los Soles will be designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization effective Nov. 24, alleging Nicolás Maduro and top aides lead it; Maduro rejects the accusation.
• Venezuela’s government ordered a permanent mobilization in six eastern states as Nicolás Maduro condemned U.S.–Trinidad exercises and portrayed the U.S. buildup as a direct threat.
• European officials and media reports flagged concerns over legality and evidence, with France and EU figures warning on international law and British sources reporting a pause in intelligence sharing for lethal targeting.