Overview

• The United States deployed eight warships and a submarine about a month ago and says it destroyed at least three suspected drug boats, killing 14.
• Venezuela’s foreign minister told the UN the US posture is an immoral threat and alleged a bid to seize the country’s oil and gas.
• Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister publicly backed the US presence at the UN, praising efforts against drug cartels.
• Nicolás Maduro scheduled civil-protection drills, expanded militia recruitment and displayed a decree preparing a state of commotion.
• Coastal fishers report real fear, traveling in groups, avoiding certain zones and using emergency beacons, with one tuna vessel held for nearly eight hours by a US warship before release.