All articles tagged with #drug interdiction
The US is deploying an aircraft carrier to Latin America as part of a significant military escalation, following increased military activity and strikes against drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, amid broader regional tensions and security operations.
President Trump has ordered a US carrier strike group to the Caribbean to enhance surveillance and disrupt illicit activities, amid recent military actions near Venezuela targeting drug traffickers, which have resulted in civilian casualties.
The CIA plays a central and secretive role in US drone strikes against drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean, providing real-time intelligence that guides military actions, with details and evidence remaining classified and controversial under international law.
Admiral Alvin Holsey, who oversaw U.S. military operations in Latin America including strikes on alleged drug boats, is retiring unexpectedly after less than a year in command, raising concerns amid regional tensions and ongoing military buildup in the Caribbean.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro accused the U.S. of bombing a Colombian boat with citizens inside during strikes against drug smugglers off Venezuela, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the broader implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.
US Navy personnel inspected a Venezuelan fishing boat for drugs in the Caribbean, without finding any contraband, amid ongoing tensions and accusations from Venezuela of illegal boarding and excessive military force.
Two Venezuelan military aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy ship in international waters, an act described by the Pentagon as highly provocative, amid escalating tensions following U.S. military strikes against suspected drug traffickers linked to Venezuela and the deployment of a U.S. flotilla off Venezuela's coast aimed at drug interdiction and regime change efforts.
The US has deployed naval forces near Venezuela, citing drug interdiction efforts, but there is speculation about potential broader military actions against Maduro, who is labeled a terrorist by the US. The deployment appears focused on drug trafficking rather than regime change, with the US emphasizing deterrence and strategic positioning.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a significant decrease in migrant encounters along the southwest border in January 2024, attributing it to seasonal trends and enhanced enforcement efforts. CBP also highlighted its efforts in interdicting fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, facilitating lawful trade and travel, combating counterfeit goods, and eradicating forced labor from supply chains. Additionally, CBP continues to work with domestic and foreign partners to address challenges along the border and process individuals encountered at the border, emphasizing that the immigration system is facing serious capacity challenges.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its monthly operational statistics for September 2023, highlighting efforts to address increased migration flows, enhance border security, disrupt the entry of dangerous people and goods, and protect the nation. CBP surged resources and personnel to address high rates of encounters along the southwest border, and is preparing for direct repatriations to Venezuela. The agency continues to enforce immigration laws, remove individuals without legal basis to stay, and conduct rescues of migrants in distress. CBP also focuses on interdicting narcotics and dangerous drugs, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and promoting economic security. Additionally, CBP has implemented parole processes for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and is leading efforts to eliminate goods made with forced labor and combat intellectual property rights violations.