US Deploys Carrier Strike Group to Latin America Amid Drug War

BREAKING: The Pentagon has just announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group to U.S. Southern Command as part of a robust military strategy targeting drug trafficking organizations in Latin America. This significant buildup comes amid escalating concerns over narcotics smuggling that threatens U.S. safety.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment on October 27, 2023, stating that the strike group will operate across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. This move aims to “detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors” compromising U.S. security, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

The USS Ford, currently in the Mediterranean, will take several days to reach its assigned area, enhancing existing capabilities against transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). Parnell emphasized that this deployment is crucial for degrading and dismantling these organizations, which pose a significant threat to the region.

Earlier today, Hegseth reported that the U.S. military executed its tenth strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel, resulting in the deaths of six individuals affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang in the Caribbean. This strike marks the second known military action against the Venezuelan gang under the Trump administration, which has ramped up efforts against drug smuggling operations.

In a powerful statement, Hegseth declared, “If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda.” He further committed to tracking and neutralizing drug traffickers, stating, “Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks… and kill you.”

This military action is part of a broader strategy endorsed by President Donald Trump, who earlier this year designated Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation has opened the door for increased military involvement against these groups, which have been linked to tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States.

In a recent media roundtable, Trump indicated that while he would not formally ask Congress for a declaration of war against these organizations, he affirmed a commitment to lethal action against those responsible for drug trafficking. “We’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country,” he stated emphatically.

As the USS Gerald R. Ford prepares to deploy, the international community watches closely. The implications of this military engagement could reshape U.S. relations in Latin America and impact the ongoing battle against drug-related violence.

With this urgent escalation, the situation remains fluid. The Pentagon’s actions highlight a critical shift in U.S. military strategy to confront drug cartels and safeguard the homeland. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.