Archiv: 08-2025: US miltary build-up near Venezuela / airstrikes on civil vessels in Caribbean and Pacific / fishermen from several countries killed / US threats also against Colombia / Caribbean War scenario


18:53 [ Trinidad Express ]

Resisted by Grenada, radar spotted in Tobago: As 4th US aircraft flies in

Yet another US Marine aircraft was detected overnight heading into Tobago, the fourth of its kind over the course of the past week, as imagery on the island appeared to depict a powerful air defence US radar system at the ANR Robinson international Airport.

The sightings come after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday confirmed the US military presence on the sister isle, backtracking on previous claims that previous military aircraft sighted on the island were only there to help the country with a “roadway.”

18:24 [ CNC3.co.tt ]

Prime Minister defends silence on US Marines in Tobago ‘I withheld work on radar details to protect national security’

On Wednesday, when a C-17 Globemaster with the words Air Force emblazoned on its side was spotted at Tobago’s airport, a picture of the aeroplane was circulated widely on social media, with several citizens questioning its purpose.

Later that day, outside the Red House, the Prime Minister explained that the aircraft had brought in US marines to assist in constructing a roadway. At the time, she said that, to her knowledge, there were no longer any marines in the country. However, US marines were later seen at a popular hotel in Tobago. The day after, the Prime Minister clarified that following further inquiries, she had been informed that marines were still in Tobago and were assisting with work on the runway, roadway, and radar system at Tobago’s airport.

17:46 [ theHill.com ]

Senators vow oversight after report Hegseth told troops to ‘kill everybody’ in boat strike

Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) issued a statement Saturday vowing to conduct “vigorous oversight” on Caribbean strikes after a report surfaced that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the U.S. military to “kill everybody” aboard an alleged drug vessel.

17:38 [ Washington Post ]

Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all

(November 28, 2025)

As two men clung to a stricken, burning ship targeted by SEAL Team 6, the Joint Special Operations commander followed the defense secretary’s order to leave no survivors.

17:27 [ Tim Kaine, United States Senator from Virginia ]

Dear Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Hegseth:

(November 24, 2025)

Dear Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Hegseth:

We are writing to request expeditious declassification and public release of the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel’s written opinion, dated September 5, 2025, concerning the domestic and international legal basis for recent military strikes of certain vessels near South America and the Caribbean, with appropriate redactions necessary to protect military personnel and sensitive intelligence matters.

Significant and noteworthy precedent exists for the public release of OLC opinions related to overseas military action. After the United States carried out military strikes in Libya in 2011 and in Syria in 2018, the Department of Justice released the applicable OLC opinion justifying each operation.

Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force. We therefore believe that the declassification and public release of this important document would enhance transparency in the use of deadly force by our Nation’s military and is necessary to ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justification supporting these strikes.

Sincerely,

Richard Blumenthal
United States Senator

Jack Reed
United States Senator

Jeanne Shaheen
United States Senator

Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator

Mazie K. Hirono
United States Senator

Tim Kaine
United States Senator

Angus S. King, Jr.
United States Senator

Elizabeth Warren
United States Senator

Gary C. Peters
United States Senator

Tammy Duckworth
United States Senator

Jacky Rosen
United States Senator

Mark Kelly
United States Senator

Elissa Slotkin
United States Senator

16:51 [ USA Today ]

Venezuelan boat strikes lack legal justification, Democrats say

There is no U.S. law that explicitly authorizes the U.S. Navy to attack or sink ships at sea outside of a congressionally authorized war or valid self-defense situation, legal experts and Democratic lawmakers say.

The strikes began in September, but Trump administration discussions about them began soon after Trump moved back into the White House in January

16:41 [ USA Today ]

Trump says land strikes in Venezuela will ‚start very soon‘

Amid a buildup of U.S. military forces near Venezuela and strikes on alleged drug boats, President Donald Trump told U.S. troops on Thanksgiving that the military operation will soon include strikes on land.

“In recent weeks, you’ve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers,“ Trump said during a call with military service members that alluded to the boat strikes, adding: „We’ll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.“

16:37 [ Reuters ]

Trump says airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered closed

Venezuela‘s communications ministry, which handles all press inquiries for the government, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Trump‘s post.
The U.S. Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

26.11.2025 - 18:46 [ theHill.com ]

Senate Democrats ask Hegseth, Bondi to declassify DOJ memo on drug boat strikes

(November 24, 2025)

Senate Democrats are asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi to declassify and publicly release the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel’s classified, written opinion outlining the legal basis for the Trump administration’s strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Thirteen Senate Democrats, all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, are demanding an “expeditious declassification and public release” of the classified opinion, which was drafted over the summer and argued that U.S. troops who participate in boat strikes, which have taken place on both sides of South America, cannot be prosecuted.

26.11.2025 - 17:57 [ Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator for Michigan ]

Slotkin Demands Declassification and Public Release of Information on the Trump Administration’s Lethal Airstrikes

Nov 24, 2025 | Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined members of the Senate Armed Services Committee in writing to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth requesting the declassification and public release of the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) written opinion on the Trump Administration’s lethal airstrikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

“Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force. We therefore believe that the declassification and public release of this important document would enhance transparency in the use of deadly force by our Nation’s military and is necessary to ensure Congress and the American people are fully informed of the legal justification supporting these strikes,” the Senators wrote.

26.11.2025 - 17:31 [ CNC3.co.tt ]

US Secretary of War visits region today; Maduro officials hold closed door talks

(November 25, 2025)

War Secretary Pete Hegseth will travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, today to meet the country’s top leaders, including President Luis Abinader, Minister of Defence Lt Gen Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre and other officials, the Associated Press reported yesterday.

The announcement came the same day that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met yesterday.

26.11.2025 - 17:30 [ Reuters ]

US military‘s Caine meets with Trinidad prime minister

(November 25, 2025)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine told Persad-Bissessar that the United States remained committed to working with Trinidad and Tobago to „address shared threats and deepen collaboration across the Caribbean,“ the Pentagon said.

15.11.2025 - 19:35 [ Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America ]

COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE BOLIVARIAN ALLIANCE FOR THE PEOPLES OF OUR AMERICA

The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America categorically condemns the recent offensive escalation of hostile and provocative statements issued by spokespeople for the United States government against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. These are discredited figures, without moral authority, who resort to ridiculous falsehoods and pretexts in an attempt to create a scenario that our peoples already know all too well.

The Alliance clearly warns: if the United States dares to take the leap from psychological and media operations to a reckless military movement of aggression against Venezuela, the entire Caribbean would enter into unprecedented destabilization.

15.11.2025 - 19:26 [ CNC3.co.tt ]

Gonzales, Browne warn of hidden agenda behind US–T&T military exercises

He also accused the Government of withholding critical information, which he said continued to stir panic and unease among the public.

Gonzales also pointed to the absence of Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge and Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, especially as the media briefing involved matters related to the country’s security assets.

(…)

Browne added that survivors of recent US kinetic strikes were taken briefly to the United States before being returned to their home countries without facing charges. He said the Government continues to encourage actions that the United Nations has found to violate international law and continues to presuppose that all those killed at sea were guilty. “It would appear that the guilt or innocence of these persons is predicated only on the basis of whether they are killed or whether they survive,” he said.

15.11.2025 - 05:46 [ CNC3.co.tt ]

US Marines touch down for military exercises with T&T Defence Force …To train in urban, rural areas across the country

Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers says the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will be coming to this country to take part in military training exercises from November 16 to 21 with the local Defence Force.

His announcement came yesterday, one day after Attorney General John Jeremie told the UK’s Financial Times that the United States military is expected to intensify exercises in T&T.

15.11.2025 - 05:38 [ Trinidad Express ]

US Military ramp-up coming to T&T, says AG

Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General John Jeremie has reportedly told the Financial Times that US’ military exercises would intensify in T&T in the coming days, with members of the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The report comes on the heels of the arrival of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)- the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world- in Caribbean waters, as well as the US Department of War’s announcement of Operation ‘Southern Spear’.

12.11.2025 - 20:03 [ UltimasNoticias.com.ve ]

Vice President: Venezuela must be prepared to defend its sovereignty

During the formation of the Bolivarian Base Committee in the Caracas parish of La Pastora, he declared that „those who want to hand over Venezuela, its natural resources, and fascist extremism are encountering the unyielding fist of the organized people. They will not succeed against us.“

Rodríguez emphasized that the US has decided to declare war on the entire planet, „and Venezuela must be prepared to defend our sovereignty. Who is going to come and give us orders from another country? Nobody, nobody gives us orders. The only one is the Venezuelan people, who are well organized.“

12.11.2025 - 20:01 [ Trinidad Express ]

Venezuela raises military readiness as U.S. Carrier Group nears Caribbean

As the USS Gerald R. Ford streams into the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility, bringing with it 4000 US sailors and dozens of tactical aircraft, Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro ordered its military operations be amped up within the coming hours to confront “imperial threats.”

A release from Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez earlier today announced that a higher phase of “Independencia 200” operations- the country’s national defence and mobilisation framework- will be in effect from 4.p.m. until tomorrow.

12.11.2025 - 19:54 [ Colombia News ]

Colombia suspends intelligence sharing with US over strikes on Caribbean boats

President Gustavo Petro ordered Colombia’s intelligence agencies to stop sharing information on drug trafficking with their United States counterparts until US President Donald Trump stops ordering strikes on boats in the Caribbean.

Petro announced the order on Twitter after US television network CNN reported that the United Kingdom suspended intelligence sharing over the strikes that have killed at least 67 people since early September.

12.11.2025 - 00:12 [ Trinidad Express ]

T&T distances itself again

On Sunday, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-European Union summit participants signed a joint declaration in Santa Marta, Colombia, which contains an article citing the “situation in the Caribbean and Pacific” and calling for dialogue and cooperation. Although present, T&T distanced itself from that specific point.
(…)
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously welcomed the US presence, promising the US unflinching access to the country’s territory in the event of a Venezuelan attack on neighbouring Guyana.

12.11.2025 - 00:04 [ EuropeanNewsroom.com ]

Latin America-EU Summit: States reject the ‘use of force’ amid tensions with the United States

“We reiterate our opposition to the use or threat of the use of force and to any action that is not in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter,” states the text signed on Sunday by 58 of the 60 nations present, with Venezuela and Nicaragua abstaining.

“We addressed the importance of maritime security and regional stability in the Caribbean,” adds the document, without directly mentioning the American bombings against ships suspected by Washington of transporting drugs, which have already resulted in 70 deaths.

11.11.2025 - 23:58 [ Arturo DominguezArturo Dominguez / Medium.com ]

Latin American and European Leaders Denounce US Actions Against Venezuela

On Monday, during a high-level summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) in Santa Maria, Colombia, leaders from Latin America and the European Union called for peace and diplomacy, denouncing the United States’ actions in the Caribbean in a joint statement. The declaration covered many issues, such as food insecurity, climate change, and freedom of expression, and how all nations can participate in addressing the region’s most pressing needs through cooperation.

The joint statement highlighted various concerns regarding US actions in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, saying in part, “We reiterate our opposition to the threat or use of force and to any action that is not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” denouncing the country’s unilateral and violent actions against the sovereign citizens of Latin American and Caribbean countries.

11.11.2025 - 23:52 [ CNC3.co.tt ]

UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break

The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

The UK’s decision marks a significant break from its closest ally and intelligence sharing partner and underscores the growing skepticism over the legality of the US military’s campaign around Latin America.

11.11.2025 - 23:45 [ Trinidad Express ]

Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike group arrives in US Southcom, nearing the Caribbean

The largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Gerald R. Ford has now arrived in the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility, closing a weeks long journey across the Atlantic ocean amid the US’ military buildup and ongoing boat strikes in Caribbean waters.

08.11.2025 - 23:23 [ Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ]

STATEMENT from the Caribbean Community | Security Build Up in the Region

(October 18, 2025)

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met and discussed various issues on the regional agenda including the increased security build up in the Caribbean and the potential impacts on Member States. Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, Heads agreed on the following:

They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict. CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective.

CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons which adversely affect the Region. They underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.

They reaffirmed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.

08.11.2025 - 22:28 [ StarAdvertiser.com ]

U.S. supercarrier to reach Caribbean next week amid military buildup

The U.S. Navy’s newest and most powerful aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is expected to reach the Caribbean early next week, marking a dramatic escalation in the American military buildup near Venezuela amid growing speculation over possible U.S. strikes against Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

08.11.2025 - 00:46 [ Colombia Reports ]

Colombia releases US drone strike survivor, claiming no evidence links him to drug trafficking

If the former suspect was involved in criminal activity, as claimed by the US Government, the prosecutors received no evidence of this.

„He has no criminal record, nor is his name linked to any criminal network. It is most likely that he was hired to transport the cargo to a specific location, but that he was not the mastermind behind the drug trafficking operation. This is what is known as the outsourcing of criminal activity.“ Prosecution source

Obando’s release from detention and hospital comes weeks after the Ecuadorean prosecution released the second surviving victim of the attempted extrajudicial killing without charges because there was “no report of a crime that has been brought to the attention of this institution.”

08.11.2025 - 00:41 [ Trinidad Express ]

PM may have to account to the International Criminal Court, says Browne

“This represents the first time in our records that a prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago would have proudly and publicly associated this nation with violations of international human rights of the UN Charter and International law,” he said.

Browne said the Prime Minister of T&T has continued to double down and triple down, including very recently her public stance in support of these extra-judicial killings.

He said while the US is not one of the state parties to the ICC, Trinidad and Tobago is, having been one of the founders.

07.11.2025 - 23:30 [ CNC3.co.tt ]

US strikes another boat in Caribbean Sea, killing 3

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced another deadly U.S. strike on a boat he said was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea.

The attack Thursday killed three people aboard the vessel, Hegseth said, bringing the death toll from the Trump administration’s campaign in South American waters up to at least 69 people in at least 17 strikes

07.11.2025 - 23:25 [ Trinidad Express ]

US Senate blocks bid to limit Trump’s war powers on Venezuela

A vote was held to discharge Resolution S.J.Res.90, the Venezuela Hostilities Removal Resolution, a resolution sponsored by Democrats Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff and Republican senator Rand Paul on October 16.

It aimed to invoke the 1973 War Powers Resolution which asserts that US military action should be approved by US Congress.

The motion was not agreed to, 49 US senators voting in favour, but 51 voting against.

02.11.2025 - 22:40 [ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights ]

US attacks in Caribbean and Pacific violate international human rights law – UN Human Rights Chief

(October 31, 2025)

GENEVA – Airstrikes by the United States of America on boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific – allegedly linked to drug trafficking – violate international human rights law, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Friday.

“Over 60 people have reportedly been killed in a continuing series of attacks carried out by US armed forces against boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific since early September, in circumstances that find no justification in international law,” the High Commissioner said.

“These attacks – and their mounting human cost – are unacceptable. The US must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them.”

02.11.2025 - 22:36 [ Newsweek ]

Panic on US ‘Aircraft Carrier’ Island After US-Venezuela Strikes Report

(November 1, 2025)

Tension is rapidly growing in the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago after a U.S. newspaper reported that the U.S. was poised to strike military targets in Venezuela, as the U.S. military buildup in the region continues.

02.11.2025 - 22:18 [ Newsday.co.tt ]

Military devise ‚war‘ plans after call-out – Troops stand down

MILITARY COMMANDERS have devised three specific courses of action to be taken in the event of any land strikes involving US forces and neighbouring Venezuela.

This follows a mandatory call-out of thousands of active soldiers, sailors and other personnel on October 31 to report for duty by 6 pm and a subsequent lockdown of all military installations.

(…)

The combination of a motion to extend the state of emergency for three months being debated in Parliament, media reports of an imminent strike to Venezuela, sparked a wave of anxiety in some parts of the country with some schools ending earlier and private businesses shutting their doors.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar later called for calm, vowing to keep the public informed of any major developments.