Overview

• U.S. officials confirmed three destroyers — USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson — and roughly 4,000 Marines are deploying to Caribbean waters for counter-narcotics operations, with no arrival date announced.
• President Nicolás Maduro condemned the deployment as an immoral, criminal and illegal bid for regime change during a televised address from the National Assembly.
• Venezuela held nationwide militia sign-ups after ordering the incorporation of 4.5 million militiamen into security roles, with reporters observing hundreds at plazas and barracks.
• An English-language billboard offering $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s capture and $25 million for Diosdado Cabello appeared at the Colombia–Venezuela crossing near Cúcuta; local authorities said it lacked permits and ordered its removal.
• The White House said President Trump is prepared to use all U.S. power to stem drug flows, while regional reactions split as Guyana voiced concern and ALBA allies and Russia signaled support for Caracas.