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New Task Force Launched to Tackle Caribbean Drug Cartels

10/11/2025

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Center

Hegseth Launches Task Force

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of a new counternarcotics joint task force to combat drug cartels in the Caribbean Sea.
The task force is directed by President Trump.
The task force falls under the U.S. Southern Command's jurisdiction.
Recent strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats resulted in 21 fatalities.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro claimed one strike hit a Colombian vessel, a claim the White House deemed baseless.

Right

US Strikes Cartels

The United States conducted strikes in the Caribbean targeting drug cartels tied to Venezuela's Maduro regime, raising escalation concerns amid mixed regional support.
Analysts say the campaign may aim to weaken Maduro's power.
The United States repositioned naval assets in Puerto Rico.
The Pentagon frames the operation as counter-narcotics, with experts warning it could blur into direct confrontations with the Maduro regime.
The administration raised Maduro's bounty to $50 million while suspending diplomatic outreach.

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Hegseth Launches Task Force

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of a new counternarcotics joint task force to combat drug cartels in the Caribbean Sea.
The task force is directed by President Trump.
The task force falls under the U.S. Southern Command's jurisdiction.
Recent strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats resulted in 21 fatalities.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro claimed one strike hit a Colombian vessel, a claim the White House deemed baseless.

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