The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier reached Caribbean waters on Tuesday, substantially increasing American military capabilities in the region as the Trump administration considers expanded operations against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had redirected the vessel from the Mediterranean Sea three weeks earlier, adding approximately 5,500 personnel to forces already deployed in the area and bringing total troop strength above 15,000 in the largest regional buildup in decades.
Britain has suspended intelligence sharing with Washington regarding suspected drug smuggling vessels because London views the military strikes as violations of international law, according to a senior Western official. The decision represents a notable split between close allies over legal justifications for attacks that have killed 76 people across 19 operations since early September.
The Ford carries more than 75 aircraft, including fighter jets that could support potential Venezuelan operations ranging from targeted strikes against military units protecting Maduro to seizure of oil infrastructure, though President Trump has not authorized specific action plans.
Britain has suspended intelligence sharing with Washington regarding suspected drug smuggling vessels because London views the military strikes as violations of international law, according to a senior Western official. The decision represents a notable split between close allies over legal justifications for attacks that have killed 76 people across 19 operations since early September.
The Ford carries more than 75 aircraft, including fighter jets that could support potential Venezuelan operations ranging from targeted strikes against military units protecting Maduro to seizure of oil infrastructure, though President Trump has not authorized specific action plans.
