Venezuela Deploys Troops to Colombia Border as US Naval Forces Join Cartel Crackdown

Venezuela has deployed 15,000 troops, along with aircraft, drones, and river patrols, to its Colombia border to combat drug trafficking, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced, citing the seizure of 53 tonnes of drugs this year. The move follows U.S. accusations that President Nicolas Maduro and Cabello are linked to cartels, including the Cartel de los Soles. Washington recently doubled its reward for Maduro’s capture to $50m and raised Cabello’s to $25m. Meanwhile, the U.S. is sending two navy ships—the USS Lake Erie and USS Newport News—to join an amphibious squadron in the Caribbean as part of anti-cartel operations.