U.S. launches Caribbean counter-narcotics joint task force
The U.S. has launched a Caribbean counter-narcotics joint task force under a Trump directive to crush cartels, deploying a force package that includes three guided‑missile destroyers, F‑35B jets, MQ‑9 Reaper drones, P‑8 Poseidon aircraft, assault ships and a special‑operations ship. The buildup — described as the largest U.S. Caribbean deployment since the 1989–90 Panama operation — has included strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats that reportedly killed at least 21 people, and reports say Trump has hinted that targets in Venezuela could be next.
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📌 Key Facts
- The U.S. has launched a Caribbean counter-narcotics joint task force, described as the largest U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean in more than three decades (since the 1989–90 Panama operation).
- The naval component of the deployment includes three guided-missile destroyers, assault ships and a special-operations ship.
- Air and unmanned assets deployed include F-35B jets, MQ-9 Reaper drones and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
- U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats have resulted in at least 21 fatalities.
- President Trump has hinted that targets in Venezuela could be next.
📰 Sources (2)
See Advanced Weaponry the U.S. Is Deploying to the Caribbean
New information:
- WSJ details the deployed force package: three guided-missile destroyers, F-35B jets, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 Poseidon aircraft, assault ships, and a special-operations ship.
- Characterizes the deployment as the largest U.S. Caribbean buildup in more than three decades (since the 1989–90 Panama operation).
- Notes at least 21 fatalities from U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats and reports Trump has hinted targets in Venezuela could be next.