U.S. Deploys Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to Caribbean to Combat Narco-Terrorism Amid Venezuela Tensions

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Caribbean to bolster efforts against drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations as part of President Donald Trump's broader campaign to combat narco-terrorism. This deployment, involving approximately 4,500 to 5,000 additional sailors and Marines, significantly increases the U.S. military presence in the region, joining about 6,000 personnel already engaged in counter-drug operations. The move is also intended to send a strategic message to drug cartels about the U.S. military's rapid response capabilities. The Trump administration is considering targeting cocaine production and trafficking routes within Venezuela, where tensions are escalating amid allegations linking Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to drug trafficking, despite limited evidence of his control over criminal groups. In parallel, the administration has authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, though diplomatic options have not been ruled out. These developments mark a notable escalation in U.S. policy towards Latin America, reflecting a more aggressive stance on narcotics interdiction and regional security threats.