The U.S. military conducted its 20th strike on a boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in four fatalities and raising the total death toll from these operations to 80 since September. The U.S. Southern Command confirmed the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling. Simultaneously, the Trump administration is expanding its military presence in the region with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, solidifying its ongoing mission, Operation Southern Spear. While the administration claims the buildup is focused on stopping drug flow, concerns arise, with some suggesting this is an intimidation tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces accusations of narcoterrorism.
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Amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, a Democratic Party critic warned that the release of newly surfaced documents detailing the president’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein could lead to military action in Venezuela as a distraction. The released emails included Epstein’s claims of spending time with the president and possessing sensitive information. This development followed the president’s threats against Venezuela and military strikes in the Caribbean. Furthermore, the administration has claimed the strikes are to stop drug trafficking out of Venezuela, while also signaling that the US could attack Venezuela directly, prompting Maduro to prepare the country’s military.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned Donald Trump against engaging in a prolonged military conflict in the region, particularly after the arrival of a significant US military presence. Simultaneously, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at eradicating “narco-terrorists” in the Americas, intensifying the pressure on Maduro’s government. Despite the US’s official stance on the “war on drugs,” many view the expanded deployment as a political maneuver to overthrow Maduro. In response, Maduro’s regime is reportedly preparing a guerrilla-style defense plan, including sabotage and acts of chaos, to counter any potential US attack.
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The US military has launched Operation Southern Spear, targeting “narco-terrorists” in Latin America, as announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This operation comes amid a significant build-up of US military presence in the region and follows the 20th reported US attack on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in four fatalities with no survivors. The US claims these attacks are focused on disrupting drug trafficking, despite a lack of evidence or legal justification. This increased military activity, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, is widely perceived as a move to pressure Venezuela, with both Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his defense minister condemning the US actions as threats to regional sovereignty.
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On Wednesday, President Trump was briefed on updated military options for potential operations in Venezuela, including land strikes, with the intelligence community providing information for potential operations. This briefing occurred as the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group entered the region, increasing the U.S. military presence and fueling speculation of potential direct strikes. Defense experts suggest the presence of the Ford strike group creates a “shot clock” effect, forcing a decision whether to act militarily or retreat, each with significant geopolitical consequences. The deployment of the aircraft carrier group, intended to disrupt drug trafficking routes, is seen by experts as too powerful to remain idle, implying either imminent action or a strategic withdrawal.
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The USS Gerald R Ford, the U.S. Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, has arrived in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, escalating military tensions with Venezuela. This deployment, along with other U.S. warships, a submarine, and aircraft, represents a significant military buildup, purportedly aimed at combating drug trafficking. In response, the Venezuelan government has also mobilized its military, viewing the U.S. presence as a major threat and accusing the U.S. of fabricating a new war. Meanwhile, regional leaders have responded cautiously, with a summit declaration rejecting the use of force, though some nations, like Venezuela, are holding a firm line against the U.S. presence.
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AP News has learned the identity of some men killed in U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, thanks to reporting done by Regina Garcia Cano. Through interviews with residents and relatives in Venezuelan villages, it was discovered that the deceased were not narco-terrorists as claimed, but rather men involved in drug running for the first or second time. The reporting was met with significant challenges, as sources were fearful of speaking out due to potential repercussions from the Venezuelan government, including searches and detentions. Despite the challenges, the reporting found widespread poverty and a lack of information that is hindering the ability of families to mourn their lost loved ones.
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Russia has condemned the United States for employing “excessive military force” in the Caribbean under the guise of combating drug trafficking and has expressed its support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Kremlin confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation as tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas, especially due to U.S. strikes and Venezuela’s request for military assistance from Moscow. These recent actions by the U.S. have led to concerns about destabilization within the region. Moscow emphasizes the importance of de-escalation and adherence to international law.
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The US military conducted another strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in three fatalities, bringing the total death toll from the campaign to at least 70. These strikes, initiated in September, have targeted vessels in international waters, destroying at least 18 vessels, although concrete evidence of the targets’ illicit activities remains undisclosed. The ongoing campaign, justified by the administration’s declaration of “armed conflict” with Latin American drug cartels, involves significant military assets in the region, including Navy ships and stealth warplanes. Despite concerns and accusations of extrajudicial killings, the administration has expanded its military operations while facing challenges and accusations from Venezuela’s president.
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Russia has indicated it may supply Venezuela with advanced hypersonic missiles, including the Oreshnik and Kalibr, as tensions with the United States escalate in the region. This follows increased U.S. military presence near Venezuelan waters and reports of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro seeking military assistance from Russia, China, and Iran. The deployment of such missiles, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, could drastically increase tensions. The U.S. has not officially responded, but the possibility of such an action presents a significant escalation of rhetoric between the nations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker