U.S. Lethal Kinetic Strike on Tren de Aragua Vessel, Carrier Strike Group Deployment, and Force Posture Changes, Counter-narcotics Operations
No U.S. ground operations within Venezuela have been authorized or executed. President Trump approved Central Intelligence Agency covert actions in Venezuela on October 15.
SOUTH AMERICA — U.S. forces conducted a lethal kinetic strike on October 24 against a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua, an organization designated as a foreign terrorist entity involved in narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean Sea.
The operation resulted in the deaths of six individuals aboard the vessel, which was navigating international waters along established smuggling routes, supported by intelligence confirming narcotics presence.
No U.S. personnel sustained injuries. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, including its carrier air wing, to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in accordance with President Donald Trump’s orders to neutralize transnational criminal organizations and counter narcotics activities.
This augmented naval deployment strengthens capabilities for detection, monitoring, and disruption of threats to Western Hemisphere security.
No U.S. ground operations within Venezuela have been authorized or executed. President Trump, on October 15, approved Central Intelligence Agency covert actions in Venezuela aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and addressing prisoner releases directed toward the United States.
The bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for narcotics-related charges was elevated to $50 million on August 7.
The United Nations addressed these matters during an October 10 Security Council briefing, where Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča outlined potential threats to regional stability arising from U.S. operations and Venezuelan responses.
Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Deployment
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group comprises the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned in 2017 and based in Norfolk, Virginia.
It incorporates Carrier Air Wing 8, featuring squadrons equipped with F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, E-2D Hawkeyes, EA-18G Growlers, and various helicopters, encompassing approximately 75 aircraft.
Supported by Cruiser-Destroyer Group assets, including guided-missile cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 2, along with submarines and logistics vessels, the group mobilizes over 7,500 personnel.
This positioning within the U.S. Southern Command area advances maritime security through surveillance, interdiction, and collaborative exercises, as outlined in Navy strategic documents, supporting stability amid counter-narcotics objectives.
Analysis of Force Posture Changes
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