The Pentagon ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group to South American waters, escalating a U.S. buildup conducting strikes on suspected drug boats. The carrier, in port in Croatia, could add thousands of sailors to a region where more than 6,000 are deployed, as Tropical Storm Melissa looms. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a 10th strike killed six, bringing deaths to at least 43, with some operations tied to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. President Trump cast cartels as unlawful combatants, while critics in Congress warned of escalation and Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of seeking his ouster.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.