US aircraft carrier group arrives in Caribbean

November 12, 2025

The USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group, the world's largest warship, has arrived in the Caribbean following President Trump's deployment order amid escalating drug interdiction operations. The US military has conducted at least 19 strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in 76 deaths, which has sparked significant diplomatic tensions with regional governments. Venezuelan President Maduro accuses the US of manufacturing a crisis to destabilize his government, while Colombian President Petro has suspended intelligence sharing with US agencies in protest of the boat attacks.

Who is affected

At least 76 people killed in US strikes on boats
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Venezuelan government officials
Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Colombia's public security forces
More than 4,000 sailors aboard the USS Gerald R Ford
US military personnel already deployed in the region (thousands of troops)
Criminal drug trafficking groups operating in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific
Colombian military forces conducting operations in the Amazon region
19 members of drug-running guerrilla groups killed in Colombian airstrikes
Caribbean populations affected by military operations

What action is being taken

The USS Gerald R Ford strike group is entering US Southern Command's area of responsibility
The US is continuing to launch strikes on alleged drug boats in the region
Colombia has suspended intelligence sharing with US agencies
The US Navy is deploying guided-missile destroyers and various vessels alongside the carrier
US military forces are detecting, monitoring, and disrupting illicit activities in the region

Why it matters

This represents the largest US military presence in Latin America in decades, signaling a major escalation in American drug interdiction strategy. The operations are severely straining diplomatic relationships with key regional allies, particularly Colombia and Venezuela, potentially undermining long-term cooperation on security and counter-narcotics efforts. The strikes raise significant human rights and due process concerns, as dozens of people have been killed without apparent judicial oversight or verification of their involvement in drug trafficking. The situation creates risk of broader regional conflict, especially given Trump's refusal to rule out land-based military strikes in Venezuela.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC