Core Points - The U.S. Department of Defense has announced the deployment of the USS Ford carrier strike group to enhance military presence in the Southern Command area in response to President Trump's directive to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and combat drug terrorism [2] - This military presence aims to improve the U.S. capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and countering illegal activities that threaten national security and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere [2] - The Trump administration has characterized the situation as a non-international armed conflict with drug trafficking groups designated as terrorist organizations [2] Summary by Sections - **Military Deployment** - The USS Ford carrier strike group and its air wing are being deployed to the Southern Command area to bolster U.S. military presence [2] - This move is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and weaken transnational criminal organizations [2] - **Government Actions** - The Trump administration submitted a memorandum to Congress indicating the ongoing conflict with drug trafficking organizations [2] - Recent military actions include the sinking of several alleged drug trafficking vessels off the coast of Venezuela [2] - **Regional Implications** - Reports from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration indicate that Venezuela is not a primary source of drugs entering the U.S. [2] - The Venezuelan government has accused the U.S. of using military threats to instigate regime change and expand military presence in Latin America [2]