2:31The USS Gerald R. Ford sails through the Strait of Gibraltar, Oct. 1, 2025. Seaman Alyssa Joy/USS Gerald R. Ford
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, along with its air assets, to the maritime zones surrounding Central and South America, a measure anticipated to introduce roughly 5,000 soldiers to the area and substantial combat power, seemingly aimed at intensifying pressure on the Venezuelan administration.
The strike group, presently engaged in operations near Croatia, would probably require at least several days, possibly even weeks, to reach its destination, implying that a swift military action against Venezuela is not expected.
"These forces will bolster and amplify existing abilities to impede narcotics movement and weaken and dismantle TCOs," referring to transnational criminal organizations, stated Pentagon principal spokesperson Sean Parnell.
This decision, however, carries weight and sparks inquiries regarding Trump’s influence campaign focused on compelling Venezuela’s leader to resign. Trump issued a threat of a direct assault on Venezuela on Thursday.
The USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Strait of Gibraltar, Oct. 1, 2025.Seaman Alyssa Joy/USS Gerald R. Ford
Up to now, the armed forces have engaged 10 suspected drug-carrying vessels in the locale, including eight in proximity to the Venezuelan coastline. Nevertheless, all these engagements have occurred within international waters.
The most recent strike transpired overnight, according to Hegseth, who indicated that the target was a purported drug vessel run by Tren de Aragua. Hegseth reported that six individuals perished in the operation.
It is believed that at least 43 individuals have lost their lives in the U.S. operations thus far.
Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth posted on his X account that the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on overnight on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, Oct. 24, 2025.@SecWar/X
The carrier deployment unveiled on Friday would contribute an additional five Navy ships to the eight already present, further augmenting the total military footprint from 10,000 troops to approximately 15,000 personnel. The strike group also encompasses F-18 fighter aircraft, potentially employed to escalate the frequency of military actions against drug-carrying vessels.
The military also maintains a contingent of 10 F-35 fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones already stationed in the region, while Hegseth has instructed B-52 and B-1 bomber aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters, and MH-6 Little Birds to undertake exercises off the coast of Venezuela.
On Thursday, two U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers executed what was characterized as a training exercise over the Caribbean Sea, as reported to ABC News by sources familiar with the mission.
The engagements targeting drug boats constitute a component of what the administration has termed its "war" against drug cartels. Nevertheless, the employment of deadly force has introduced several legal considerations, as prior administrations have depended on law enforcement to intercept drug shipments.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is seen in the Oval Office of the White House as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte meets with President Donald Trump in Washington, October 22, 2025.Aaron Schwartz/EPA/Shutterstock
"We're finally regarding the cartels as the significant national security risk that they genuinely represent. The cartels are conducting warfare against America," Trump stated during a White House function on Thursday, joined by Hegseth and other officials to address the administration’s measures against cartels.
The president was queried as to whether he would pursue a formal declaration of war from Congress as they heighten their efforts against drug cartels and traffickers.
"I don't anticipate that we're necessarily going to request a declaration of war," Trump commented. "I believe we're simply going to eliminate individuals who are importing drugs into our nation. OK? We're going to eliminate them. You know? They're going to be, shall we say, deceased. OK."
ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
