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The US will deploy the USS Gerald R Ford and accompanying warships to Latin America, marking the biggest escalation of its Caribbean build-up. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the carrier strike group after a tenth strike on alleged drug-trafficking boats since September left 43 dead. The Trump administration frames the mission as counter-narcotics, even as Washington sanctions Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and Trump vows potential land attacks. The Pentagon says the force will target illicit networks; B-52s, F-35s and 10,000 troops are already in the region. Arrival timing was not disclosed.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.