During his visit, Hegseth flew a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey to the USS Iwo Jima, the lead ship in the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG). The ship is part of the counter-narcotics effort and currently stationed about 30 miles south of Puerto Rico.
The visit was embraced by Puerto Rico’s governor.
“Honored to welcome Secretary of War Pete Hegseth…along with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff…to Puerto Rico,” Jennifer González-Colón said on X Monday morning. President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
“We thank POTUS Trump and his Administration for recognizing the strategic value Puerto Rico has to the national security of the United States and the fight against drug cartels in our hemisphere, perpetuated by narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro. We are proud to support America First policies that secure our borders and combat illicit activities to protect Americans and our homeland.”
Honored to welcome Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) along with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (@thejointstaff) to Puerto Rico.
We thank @POTUS Trump and his Administration for recognizing the strategic value Puerto Rico has to the national… pic.twitter.com/vlrDK6Y5Oy
Hegseth and Caine met with González-Colón at the Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Isla Verde, according to the Puerto Rican El Nuevo Dia media outlet.
The War Secretary “delivered a message to nearly 300 soldiers there, according to the governor, who was accompanied by the adjutant general of the National Guard. Colonel Carlos José Rivera Román, and the Secretary of Public Security, Arturo Garffer,” the publication reported.
The visit to Puerto Rico comes as some 4,500 sailors and Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) continue to conduct amphibious landing training exercises that began Aug. 31.
“Although the Pentagon initially reported that these were routine exercises, the increased military presence in Puerto Rico—which has sparked protests—was gradually linked to the Trump administration’s show of force in waters near Venezuela,” El Nuevo Dia posited.
Captan ejercicio militar en desarrollo de la Marina de Estados Unidos, con dos vehículos anfibios y helicópteros, en la playa Punta Guilarte, en Arroyo. El ejercicio ocurre a la misma vez que las tensiones entre Washington D.C. y Venezuela aumentan en torno al presidente Maduro. pic.twitter.com/quSsZp0sPV
The Pentagon has declined to comment about the trip to Puerto Rico by Hegseth and Caine, but it comes a day after U.S. President Donald Trump offered an ominous response to a question about whether American forces will strike drug cartel targets inside Venezuela.
“Well, you’re going to find out,” Trump answered. He offered no further explanation about what he meant.
The U.S. has already carried out one kinetic strike, against a suspected drug boat operated by the Tren de Aragua (TDA) cartel. TDA has been deemed a narco-terror organization by Trump. The attack destroyed the vessel, killing 11 people on it, Trump announced last week. The incident has raised questions about killing suspects without a trial and the use of force without Congressional approval.
. @POTUS “Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of… pic.twitter.com/aAyKOb9RHb
Images emerged on social media of at least two MQ-9 Reaper drones in Puerto Rico. They appear to be there as part of the counter-narcotics mission. These aircraft can carry a variety of missiles as well as sensors for surveillance and can loiter for more than 24 hours over a target, making them an ideal platform for these missions. Reuters took a photo of one of the Reapers carrying sensor pods and armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
We have reached out to the Air Force, Pentagon and White House for further clarification, as well as details about how often, if at all, Reapers have been so deployed to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. We also asked for comment on whether at least one Reaper took part in the attack on the drug boat, which is a likely scenario. The Air Force deferred us to the Pentagon. We will update this story with any pertinent details provided.
In response to the boat attack, Venezuelan Air Force F-16 Vipers conducted a flight near the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. official confirmed to us. CBS News reported a second encounter, but The War Zone cannot independently verify that.
Meanwhile, Trump on Friday said that U.S. Navy ships can shoot down Venezuelan aircraft that “put us in a dangerous position.”
“General, if they do that, you have a choice to do anything you want” — Trump gives a military official authorization to take out Venezuelans planes pic.twitter.com/si2H9w1Uyp
The Dunham is one of at least eight warships, including a Los Angeles class nuclear-powered submarine, that have been ordered to the Caribbean by Trump. A U.S. official told us on Monday that those ships have not moved since we wrote about this deployment last week.
As we recently pointed out, the American leader also ordered 10 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to deploy to Puerto Rico, though it remains unclear where they will come from, when they arrive and what they will do once they get there. However, as we have previously pointed out, the F-35 offers a lot of capabilities. In addition to carrying out strikes, these fifth-generation aircraft also have a variety of sensors that make it an ideal intelligence-gathering platform. You can read more about that here.
In addition, open source flight trackers have pointed that numerous U.S. transport aircraft have been making trips to Puerto Rico. There have been no official indications that additional troops are on the way for this effort; however, the transports could be carrying manpower and materiel needed for a sustained campaign.
While ostensibly to counter drug trafficking, a source familiar with these operations told us that the deployments are also a message to Maduro.
The Venezuelan leader was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency. He and 14 others, including several close allies, were hit with federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy with the Colombian FARC insurgent group to import cocaine. The U.S., as we previously mentioned, has issued a $50 million reward for his capture.
Speaking of, Maduro, on Sunday, he claimed he was moving 25,000 more troops to the border with Colombia in an effort to fight drug traffickers. Whether that is a real deployment or will have any effect on U.S. operations is unlikely.
As we have noted, the presence of high-end assets like 10 F-35s does not necessarily signal that the U.S. is planning to go to to war directly with Venezuela.
Going to strongly but respectfully disagree with this assessment. The U.S. has used B-1s and many other high end assets for the counter narcotics mission. 10 F-35s is not a package to go to war with Venezuela. F-35s have many uses including intelligence gathering. There is also… https://t.co/28lz423IeD
As more assets arrive in the region in the coming days, we will keep you informed on how the mission develops.
Update: 5:13 PM Eastern –
The Pentagon released a video of Hegseth addressing troops aboard the Iwo Jima.
“Make no mistake about it, what you’re doing right now, it’s not training,” he proclaimed. “This is the real-world exercise on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America to end the poisoning of the American people.”
. @SECWAR aboard the USS Iwo Jima, addressing America’s WARRIORS:
“What you’re doing right now is NOT training.
This is a REAL-WORLD EXERCISE on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America—to end the POISONING of the American people.” pic.twitter.com/euQHFPsIll
US naval forces have unsettled some in South America who see them as a precursor to possible intervention in Venezuela.
Published On 8 Sep 20258 Sep 2025
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticised the deployment of United States naval forces to the Caribbean, calling them a source of strain that could undermine peace in the region.
The South American leader expressed concern on Monday over the concentration of US forces, seen by some as a possible prelude to an attack on Venezuela.
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“The presence of the armed forces of the largest power in the Caribbean Sea is a factor of tension,” Lula said during the opening of a virtual BRICS summit.
The US has said its military forces are in the region to counter drug trafficking. But the deployment has been paired with US threats against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom US President Donald Trump’s administration has accused of being closely linked with drug trafficking groups.
The Trump administration has provided no evidence for those claims and has often used vague allegations of connections to drug trafficking or criminal groups to justify extraordinary measures both at home and abroad.
Last week, the US carried out an unprecedented lethal attack on what the Trump administration said was a boat transporting drugs from Venezuela. Analysts have said the extrajudicial strike, which killed 11 people, was likely illegal, but US officials have promised to carry out more attacks in the region.
Maduro has said the deployment is part of an effort to depose his government and called on the military and civilians to make preparations for a possible attack.
BRICS meeting
As the Trump administration takes aggressive steps to advance its priorities on issues such as trade, immigration and drug trafficking, some countries are seeking to bolster ties with powers like China.
Addressing the virtual BRICS conference via video call on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more cooperation in areas such as technology, finance and trade, according to the official Chinese news agency Xinhua.
“The closer the BRICS countries cooperate, the more confidence, options and effective results they will have in addressing external risks and challenges,” he was quoted as saying.
Officials from India – a country, like Brazil and China, that has become a recent target of the Trump administration’s severe tariff policies – also called for greater collaboration.
“The world requires constructive and cooperative approaches to promote trade that is sustainable,” External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in comments published by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. “Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to nontrade matters.”
The virtual conference came a week after leaders from China, Russia, India and other Eurasian nations gathered in Tianjin, China, where they presented a vision of a new international order at a moment of widening rifts between partner nations and the US.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
A source familiar with the Trump administration’s counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean confirmed to The War Zone that 10 F-35 Joint Strike fighters have been ordered to fly to Puerto Rico to take part in that mission. This confirms an earlier report by Reuters. The jets are expected to arrive in Puerto Rico next week. It is unclear which branch they belong to, where they are coming from or what they will do once they arrive.
Word of the deployment of fighters comes a day after Venezuelan F-16s made a pass near a U.S. Navy destroyer operating in the Caribbean, the latest in the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States.
“The interaction was highly provocative, and clearly a show of force,” a U.S. official told The War Zone Friday morning about the two Venezuelan F-16s that flew near the USS Jason Dunham.
(USN/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Theoplis Stewart II)
The approach on the destroyer came two days after U.S. President Donald Trump said the military attacked a boat belonging to the “Venezuelan Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists,” who are closely aligned with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Trump released a video of the attack, which he said killed 11 narco-traffickers. Though the president signed a still-secret memo in July authorizing the use of military force against groups designed as narco-terror organizations, the incident has raised questions about the legality of carrying out such a strike without Congressional authority, among other issues.
. @POTUS “Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of… pic.twitter.com/aAyKOb9RHb
The boat had been ordered to stop before it was destroyed, Fox News reported on X.
Sen. Mullin tells @DanaPerino the drug boat destroyed by U.S. forces in the Caribbean “had been warned to stop” and ignored those warnings before all 11 on board were killed.
As part of his claimed effort to stem the flow of drugs from the region, Trump had previously ordered at least eight warships to the region, plus additional surveillance and strike assets.
A U.S. official provided us with an update Friday morning on the location of the Navy assets in the region in addition to the Dunham.
The 22nd MEU, part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), left Norfolk Aug. 14, bound for the southern Caribbean. That force included more than 4,500 sailors and Marines on three ships: The Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships the USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale. Those vessels remain off the southern coast of Puerto Rico, where Marines and sailors were conducting amphibious landing training. You can read more about that in our story here.
In addition to the ARG/MEU ships, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Gravely remains underway in the southern Caribbean, the official told us.
Meanwhile, at least two Navy warships have reached or transited the Panama Canal. The Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie recently passed through the canal from the Pacific to the Caribbean. The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Sampson remains docked on the Pacific side of the canal. Citing official policy about publicizing the location of its submarine force, the official declined to provide the whereabouts of the Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS Newport News, which is also taking part in this effort.
The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City on September 2 and remains there, a U.S. official told The War Zone. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP) MARTIN BERNETTI
Though aimed at groups considered narco-terrorist organizations, an official with direct knowledge of these operations told TWZ last week that they are also aimed at Maduro. He was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency. He and 14 others, including several close allies, were hit with federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy with the Colombian FARC insurgent group to import cocaine. The U.S. government has issued a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture.
The F-35s bring a wide array of capabilities wherever they are deployed. While best known for their kinetic capabilities, including striking targets and taking on enemy aircraft, the Joint Strike Fighter is an extremely powerful intelligence gathering tool, with its highly capable radar and electro-optical systems. Yet its electronic intelligence gathering ability is perhaps its most potent reconnaissance asset. You can read more about that here.
This is a developing story.
Update 1:20 PM Eastern –
During a trip to Fort Benning, Georgia on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered additional justification for the deadly strike against the cartel drug boat earlier this week. He likened the alleged smugglers killed to notorious terrorists.
“Coming from a drug cartel is no different than coming from Al-Qaeda,” Hegseth proclaimed to reporters. “And they will be treated as such, as they were, in international waters.”
“We smoked a drug boat and there are 11 narcoterrorists at the bottom of the ocean,” he posited. “And when other people do that, they are going to meet the same fate. We knew exactly who they were, exactly what they were doing, what they represented, and why they were going where they were going.”
Update: 3:24 PM Eastern –
Video emerged on social media of the Iwo Jima off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Update: 5:36 PM Eastern –
During the White House ceremony announcing he was changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, Trump was asked if he was looking to change the regime in Venezuela.
“We’re not talking about that, but we are talking about the fact that you had an election, which was a very strange election to put it mildly, I’m being very nice when I say that. I can only say that billions of dollars of drugs are pouring into our country from Venezuela.”
Trump again claimed that the alleged smuggling boat that was destroyed was full of drugs.
“And when you look at that boat, you…see the bags of whatever it is that those bags. You know, those bags represent hundreds of thousands of dead people in the United States. That’s what they represent.”
The president also claimed, without proof, that “300,000 to 350,000 people died last year from drugs” in the U.S.
Regardless of the actual numbers, Trump said he was going to continue ordering lethal strikes against smugglers.
“And when I see folks coming in, like loaded up the other day with all sorts of drugs, probably fentanyl, mostly, but all sorts of drugs, we’re going to take them out,” the president vowed. “And if people want to have fun going on the high seas or the low seas, they’re going to be in trouble.”
Trump added that aircraft that get too close to U.S. ships will be destroyed.
“Well, I would say they ‘re gonna be in trouble,” Trump responded to a question about what would happen if Venezuelan jets fly over U.S. warships.
Trump then turned to Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was also at the event.
“But I would say, general, if they do that, you have a choice of doing anything you want, okay?” the president told Caine. “If they fly in a dangerous position, I would say that you can, you or your captains can make the decision to what they want to do.”
Trump declined to say how close the jets came to the Dunham.
“I don’t want to talk about that,” said Trump. “But if they do put us in a dangerous position, they’ll be shot down.”
Meanwhile, the American leader said his actions are having an effect.
“I will tell you, boat traffic is substantially down in the area that [boat attack] happened,” Trump further explained. “And they called it the runway. It’s a runway to the United States, and boat traffic is very substantially down on the runway. You can imagine why.”
WASHINGTON — The F-35 is the most advanced fighter jet on the planet, capable of waging electronic warfare, of dropping nuclear weapons, of evading the surveillance and missile defenses of America’s most fearsome enemies at supersonic speeds.
It is the latest example of the Trump administration using disproportionate military force to supplement, or substitute for, traditional law enforcement operations — first at home on the streets of U.S. cities and now overseas, where the president has labeled multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and has vowed a “tough” response.
On Tuesday, that response began with an inaugural “kinetic strike” targeting a small vessel in the Caribbean allegedly carrying narcotics and 11 members of Tren de Aragua, one of the Venezuelan gangs President Trump has designated a terrorist group. Legally designating a gang or cartel as a terrorist entity ostensibly gives the president greater legal cover to conduct lethal strikes on targets.
The operation follows Trump’s deployment of U.S. forces to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., for operations with dubious justifications, as well as threats of similar actions in San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans, moves that a federal judge said last week amount to Trump “creating a national police force with the President as its chief.”
Trump has referred to both problems — urban crime and drug trafficking — as interlinked and out of control. But U.S. service members have no training in local law or drug enforcement. And experts question a strategy that has been tried before, both by the United States and regional governments, of launching a war against drugs only to drive leaders in the trade to militarize themselves.
U.S. drug policy “has always been semi-militarized,” said Jeremy Adelman, director of the Global History Lab at Princeton University. Trump’s latest actions simply make more explicit the erasure of a line “that separates law enforcement from warfare.”
“One side effect of all this is that other countries are watching,” Adelman said. “By turning law enforcement over to the military — as the White House is also doing domestically — what’s to stop other countries from doing the same in international waters?
“Fishermen in the South China Sea should be worried,” he added.
The Trump administration has not provided further details on the 11 people killed in the boat strike. But officials said the departure of a drug vessel from Venezuela makes Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s dictatorial president labeled by the White House as a top drug kingpin, indirectly responsible.
“Let there be no doubt, Nicolás Maduro is an indicted drug trafficker in the United States, and he’s a fugitive of American justice,” Marco Rubio, Trump’s secretary of State and national security advisor, said on a tour of the region Thursday, citing a grand jury indictment in the Southern District of New York.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a news conference Wednesday in Mexico City.
(Hector Vivas / Getty Images)
The president’s war on drug cartels will continue, Rubio said, adding that regional governments “will help us find these people and blow them up.”
Maduro has warned the strike indicates that Washington seeks regime change in Caracas. The Venezuelan military flew two aircraft near a U.S. vessel in international waters Thursday night, prompting an angry response from Pentagon officials and Trump to direct his Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, to “do what you want to do” in response.
“Despite how dangerous this performance could be, because of its political consequences, it can’t be taken seriously as a drug policy,” said Lina Britto, an expert on Latin America and the Caribbean at Northwestern University with a focus on the history of the drug trade. “It lacks rigorousness in the analysis of how drug trafficking operates in the hemisphere.”
Most drugs entering the U.S. homeland from South America arrive in shipping containers, submarines and more efficient modes of transportation than speedboats — and primarily come through the Pacific, not the Caribbean, Britto said.
Trump has flirted with military strikes on drug cartels since the start of his second term, working with Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, to coordinate drone strikes over Mexican territory for surveillance of cartel activity.
But Sheinbaum has ruled out the use of force against cartels, or the deployment of U.S. forces within Mexico to combat them, warning that U.S. military action would violate Mexican sovereignty and upend collaboration between the two close-knit trade and security partners.
In comparison, Venezuela offers Trump a cleaner opportunity to test the use of force against drug cartels, with diplomatic ties between the two governments at a nadir. But a war with Maduro over drugs could create unexpected problems for the Trump administration, setting off a rare military conflict in a placid region and fueling further instability in a country that, over the last decade, already set off the world’s largest refugee crisis.
Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that Trump’s use of foreign terrorist designations changes the rules of engagement in ways that allow for action “where law enforcement solutions failed in the past.”
“What we are witnessing is a paradigm shift in real time,” Berg said. “Many of Latin America’s most significant criminal organizations are now designated foreign terrorist organizations. The administration is demonstrating that this is not only rhetorical.”
But Paul Gootenberg, a professor at Stony Brook University and author of “Andean Cocaine: The Making of a Global Drug,” characterized Trump’s military operation as a “simplistic” approach to complex social problems.
“This is more a performative attack on the Venezuelan regime than a serious attempt at drug policy,” Gootenberg said.
“Militarized drug policy is nothing new — it was tried and intensified in various ways from the mid-1980s through 2000s, oftentimes under U.S. Southern Command,” he added. “The whole range and levels of ‘war on drugs’ was a long, unmitigated policy failure, according to the vast, vast majority of drug experts.”
Times staff writer Ana Ceballos contributed to this report.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad — Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is praising a U.S. strike on a boat suspected of carrying drugs in the southern Caribbean.
President Trump said Tuesday that 11 people were killed aboard the boat that had departed Venezuela, which is located near Trinidad and Tobago.
“I, along with most of the country, am happy that the U.S. naval deployment is having success in their mission,” Persad-Bissessar said in a statement late Tuesday. “The pain and suffering the cartels have inflicted on our nation is immense. I have no sympathy for traffickers; the U.S. military should kill them all violently.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the drugs aboard the vessel were likely headed to Trinidad or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Persad-Bissessar said that restricting illegal guns, drugs and human trafficking would decrease violence in the Caribbean region and the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, which has imposed two state of emergencies in recent months.
“Our country has been ravaged by bloody violence and addiction because of the greed of the cartels,” Persad-Bissessar said. “The slaughter of our people is fueled by evil cartel traffickers.”
Other Caribbean leaders were more reserved in their remarks.
Barbados Today, a local news site, quoted Barbadian Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds as saying that foreign ministers within Caricom, a 15-member regional trade bloc, wrote to Rubio to ensure that future military operations within the Caribbean don’t occur without prior notice or explanation.
“What effectively we are trying to do is to work through the diplomatic channels of making sure that there are no surprises and practices, so that you get notification wherever it is feasible for actions that are going to have a foreseeable regional impact,” Symmonds was quoted as saying.
He said that ongoing dialogue would “avoid misunderstandings, and we can maintain and strengthen our mutual confidence with each other.”
Trump has said that the vessel targeted in the strike in international waters was operated by Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang. The White House didn’t immediately explain how the military determined that those aboard the vessel were Tren de Aragua members.
The strike came after the U.S. announced last month that it planned to boost its maritime force in waters off Venezuela to fight threats from Latin American drug cartels.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The U.S. military has conducted a “lethal strike” in the southern Caribbean against a drug vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X. His comments came moments after U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that “over the last few minutes [the military] literally shot out a boat, a drug-carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat.” The incident took place as Trump has dispatched at least eight warships to the region to fight drug trafficking.
As @potus just announced moments ago, today the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Carribean against a drug vessel which had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization.
No details were immediately available about how the strike was carried out, or against what type of vessel or which organization was targeted.
This appears to be the first lethal attack on a cartel drug vessel since Trump deployed warships to the area, signaling a change to kinetic interdiction operations. However, even U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the region, did not have details.
This is a developing story. Stay with The War Zone for updates.
Update: 5:08 PM Eastern –
A senior U.S. official released a statement about this incident.
“As the President announced today, we can confirm the U.S. military conducted a precision strike against a drug vessel operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization. More information will be made available at a later time.“
Update 5:24 PM Eastern –
Rubio said the targeted vessel was on a common route and that these operations will continue, CNN reported on X.
Sec Rubio says the ship targeted was on a common route & indicates these operations will continue. He defers to the pentagon on what kinds of drugs were on board, the cartel targeted, and to the WH counsel office re legal authority for the strike. He’s now en route to Mexico. https://t.co/DdWdxk1QTR
Trump just released via Truth Social a statement and a declassified video of the boat strike.
“Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere. The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States. The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!!!”
The video shows a small boat with several people on it speeding through the water before being struck.
President Trump has shared video of a deadly U.S. military strike on a drug smuggling vessel from Venezuela, which killed 11 people.
On Truth Social, Trump stated: “Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified… pic.twitter.com/dHoVn1bjoE
The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the surrounding coasts. It is located South-East of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.
It’s a dream destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway in September(Image: Mark Meredith via Getty Images)
The Caribbean is a treasure trove of cultural gems, offering a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Indeed, the vibrant culture of the Caribbean is its biggest draw, showcasing a mix of architectural wonders, colourful festivities, and historical treasures.
Tourism is a key pillar in the economies of all Caribbean islands, which welcome visitors with open arms. One island, in particular, has won over many British holidaymakers, offering the ultimate tropical retreat.
Barbados, an eastern Caribbean island neighbouring Saint Lucia, the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent, is considered one of the safest islands in the region.
This popular cruise ship port is also famed as a foodie paradise, with delicious food and rum at the heart of its culture, reports the Express.
Barbados is the perfect island getaway for those looking to escape to the heat in September(Image: Getty)
In fact, several annual Food and Rum Festivals are held here, attracting visitors who return year after year to enjoy its delights.
With direct flights from London and an average temperature of 29C in September, Barbados is the perfect autumnal escape.
Surrounded by coral reefs, the island’s crystal-clear waters are warm and invigorating, and the mostly flat terrain is ideal for leisurely strolls to soak up the tropical atmosphere.
The region boasts delightful temperatures all year round, seldom going above 30C or below 22C.
There’s plenty to do on the island including swimming with the turtles and kayaking(Image: Getty)
Navigating the island is a doddle, with a top-notch road network and an international airport situated near the southern coast.
Barbados is an outdoor lover’s dream, featuring mountains, rainforests, beaches and coral reefs.
The area is famed for its sugarcane fields, tropical trees and rich wildlife.
Don’t be surprised if you come across dolphins, monkeys, mongooses, barracudas, and even flying fish during your journey.
Fields of sugarcane surround the island which is mostly flat and easily walkable(Image: Getty)
The national dish of Barbados is Cou Cou and fried flying fish, with pudding and souse also being popular choices.
No Caribbean holiday would be complete without a refreshing rum punch, a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
With a plethora of activities on offer, including swimming with turtles, catamaran cruising, monkey feeding, rum tours and kayaking, this island retreat promises to rejuvenate and refresh any weary traveller.
Relations between Washington and Caracas have long been tense, marked by U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan officials, accusations of narco-trafficking, and disputes over democracy and sovereignty. The latest flashpoint comes as the Trump administration expands military deployments in the Southern Caribbean, framing the move as part of a broader campaign against Latin American drug cartels. Venezuela, meanwhile, views the buildup as a pretext for regime change and a direct threat to its sovereignty.
What Happened?
U.S. Officials confirmed that seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine are expected to arrive in the Caribbean shortly, in addition to 4,500 service members that include 2,200 Marines.
The Pentagon has not specified the mission’s scope, but the Trump administration has empowered the military to target drug cartels, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the Cartel de los Soles, which Washington accuses President Nicolás Maduro of leading.
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Maduro addressed Venezuelan troops, vowing there was “no way” U.S. forces could invade, declaring Venezuela “stronger and more prepared” to defend sovereignty.
Venezuela has responded by deploying warships, drones, and 15,000 troops to the Colombian border, while also recruiting militia members to bolster defenses.
At the United Nations, Venezuela’s ambassador Samuel Moncada protested the U.S. buildup to Secretary-General António Guterres, calling it a “massive propaganda operation” to justify possible military intervention.
Why It Matters
The confrontation highlights the risk of military escalation in the Caribbean, a region already fraught with instability and migration pressures. For Washington, the naval buildup ties into Trump’s political focus on drug cartels and border security. For Venezuela, the moves reinforce long-standing accusations that the U.S. seeks regime change under the guise of counter-narcotics. Any clash could destabilize the broader region, disrupt energy markets, and draw in neighboring states such as Colombia, which has increased troop deployments along its shared border with Venezuela.
Stakeholder Reactions
President Nicolás Maduro: “There’s no way they can enter Venezuela. Today we are stronger than yesterday, more prepared to defend peace and sovereignty.”
Samuel Moncada, Venezuelan Ambassador to the U.N.: Called the operation “ridiculous,” criticizing the use of a nuclear submarine for anti-drug missions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: Claimed regional nations have “applauded” U.S. counter-narcotics operations.
U.S. Navy Admiral Daryl Claude: Confirmed deployments were tied to concerns about Venezuelan involvement in large-scale drug operations.
Colombian authorities: Deployed an additional 25,000 troops to the border to address cartel activity, cooperating with Venezuelan security forces.
What’s Next?
The U.S. is expected to maintain a strong naval presence in the Caribbean in the coming weeks, while Maduro continues to mobilize forces and rally domestic support. Venezuela may seek further backing from allies such as Russia, China, and Iran, framing the standoff as part of its resistance to U.S. pressure. Meanwhile, the United Nations could become an arena for diplomatic contestation, but absent mediation, the buildup risks sliding into a prolonged military standoff with unpredictable consequences for the wider region.
Trinidad and Tobago pays tribute to the nation’s Afro-descendant community on Emancipation Day, which marks the ending of slavery throughout the British Empire
Augustine Ogbo works as a doctor, treating patients in clinics across the striking Caribbean island of St Lucia.
When he returns to his home in the coastal town of Rodney Bay, he clocks in for his second job – as the owner and solo chef of a Nigerian takeaway.
“Egusi soup and fufu, that’s more popular… they love jollof rice too,” Dr Ogbo says, reeling off a list of his customers’ favourite dishes.
The 29-year-old hails from Nigeria – population 230 million – but crossed the Atlantic for St Lucia – population 180,000 – to train as a doctor in 2016.
He set up his home-based takeaway, named Africana Chops, in 2022, after being incessantly asked by his St Lucian friends for Nigerian fare.
The takeaway is now thriving, Dr Ogbo tells the BBC, and not just because his island customers think the food is tasty.
“They know that we all have the same ancestral origin. So most of the time, they want to get in touch with that,” Dr Ogbo explains, adding that interest in African culture has grown “tremendously” since he arrived almost a decade ago.
St Lucia is not alone in this phenomenon.
Across the Caribbean, the desire to reconnect with the population’sAfrican heritage appears to have strengthened over the past few years.
People across the Caribbean have been expressing African pride through cultural means, such as food, clothing and travel, while governments and institutions from both sides of the Atlantic have been meeting to forge economic ties.
Africa has had a long presence in the Caribbean.
A significant part of the islands’ population descended from enslaved West and Central Africans, who were forcibly transported to the Caribbean by European merchants in the 17th and 18th Centuries.
Slavery was abolished in much of the Caribbean during the 1800s, while independence from European powers came the following century.
The descendants of enslaved people retained some African customs, but largely developed their own standalone cultures, which differ from island to island.
In the past, there have been major campaigns to encourage African pride, as Dorbrene O’Marde, who runs the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, says.
“It was particularly strong in the 1930s or so, and then again in the 1960s – we saw a major outpouring in sync with the [American] black power movement during that period,” he says, talking to the BBC on the island of Antigua.
Mr O’Marde believes the Caribbean is witnessing a renewed, more promising version of such “pan-Africanism” (a term used to describe the idea that people of African descent should be unified).
“It has widened beyond psychological and cultural themes and we are now talking in broader economic terms, such as stronger transportation links between the Caribbean and Africa,” he says.
“We are in a different phase now of pan-Africanism – one that’s not going to wane like before.”
EPA/Shutterstock
The cultural ties are strong but new trends on social media, as well as African musicians going global, have excited a new generation
One thing that separates this wave of African pride from the ones that came before is social media.
Dennis Howard, an entertainment and cultural enterprise lecturer at the University of the West Indies, says a “significant” amount of Jamaicans are connecting with Africa through platforms such as TikTok.
“People are learning more about black history beyond slavery,” he tells the BBC from his home in the Jamaican capital, Kingston.
Mr Howard also points to the global rise of Afrobeats, a musical genre from Nigeria and Ghana.
He feels that in Jamaica specifically, the popularity of Afrobeats is partly down to a desire to reconnect with the continent.
“Through the music videos, [Jamaicans] are seeing certain parts of Africa are similar to Jamaica and are developed. We had a concept of Africa as this place where it is backward and it’s pure dirt road… the music is changing that.”
Asked about the view of some Jamaican commenters online – that islanders do not need to reclaim their African heritage as they have an equally valid, hard-won Jamaican heritage of their own – Mr Howard stresses that the two are not distinct.
“Our whole culture is African, with a little sprinkling of Indian and European and Chinese. But for the most part it is African-derived. It is the most dominant part of our culture,” he says.
Those leaning into their African heritage are not just consuming the culture, but actually getting on flights and exploring the continent first-hand.
The tourism authority in Ghana – once a major departure point for enslaved Africans being shipped to the Caribbean – told the BBC there had been a “notable increase” in holidaymakers from the islands in recent years.
Similarly, Werner Gruner, South Africa’s consul to the Bahamas, says that over the past two or three years, his office has seen a rise in local people travelling to South Africa, Ghana and Kenya.
“I see a lot of interest in safaris and I think people also start to realise that South Africa and other African countries are actually very well developed,” Mr Gruner says.
EPA
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (second from the right) wore a Nigeria-inspired outfit when she met African dignitaries on Emancipation Day
Even Burkina Faso, an economically struggling country under military rule that is not well known for tourism, is apparently on some people’s buckets lists. Mr O’Marde says some of his countrypeople want to visit the country because of the pan-African leanings of its leader, Ibrahim Traoré.
Getting to the mother continent from the Caribbean can, however, be complicated, with travellers often forced to fly via Europe.
Earlier this year, in a speech in which she referred to herself as a “daughter of Africa”, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley called for the construction of “air and sea bridges” between Africa and the Caribbean.
“Let us make these changes, not just for heads of state, but for ordinary people who wish to trade, travel, and forge a shared future,” she said.
Key institutions like the African Union, African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have been working on the “trade” angle, hosting conferences and setting up memorandums of understanding with their Caribbean counterparts.
Afreximbank says trade between the two regions could jump from around $730m (£540m) to $1.8bn (£1.33bn) by 2028, provided the right conditions are achieved.
But at the moment, Africa and the Caribbean have some of the lowest indicators in the world for transport infrastructure, logistics quality and customs efficiency, according to the World Bank.
In an attempt to reduce trade barriers, the prime minsters of Grenada and the Bahamas this year called for Africa and the Caribbean to launch a shared currency.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis told delegates at an Afreximbank meeting in Nigeria they should “seriously” consider a single digital currency, while Grenada’s Dickon Mitchell said: “Such a move would symbolically and practically affirm our shared identity not just as trading partners, but as members of a truly global Africa”.
Getting more than 60 countries to coordinate and launch a standard system would be no easy feat, but Mitchell said this must be done if the regions are to “take control of [their] own future”.
Back in St Lucia, Dr Ogbo says his attempts to bring egusi, fufu and jollof to local people are a small but worthy contribution to the strengthening of relations between Africa and the Caribbean.
In June, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu signed various cooperation agreements with St Lucia during a state visit and Dr Ogbo sees Africana Chops as an extension of that.
“I can say I’m working hand-in-hand with the Nigerian government and even the St Lucian government to promote the African culture,” he says.
The doctor and businessman is now trying to upgrade his food business to a full-fledged restaurant – and he hopes the “cultural exchange” between Africa and the Caribbean also goes from strength to strength.
“It’s awesome!” he says. “I’m really, really excited about that.”
THOUSANDS were left without power after Hurricane Erin battered the Caribbean and hurtled towards the US – with the storm still expected to strengthen.
The hurricane, which is now category 3, brought heavy rainfall and vicious winds to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Sunday, cutting power for some 100,000 locals.
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A truck drives through a flood as category 3 Hurricane Erin leaves the region in Naguabo, Puerto RicoCredit: AFP
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Hurricane Erin from satellite view on August 17Credit: Reuters
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The storm left 100,000 people without power, reports sayCredit: AP
Luma Energy, Puerto Rico’s private power grid operator, revealed that most of its customers on the island had working electricity by Sunday afternoon.
The operator said on X: “As of 5:00 p.m., 92.5% of customers have electrical service.
“The majority of affected customers are concentrated in the regions of Arecibo, Caguas, and San Juan, as the rain bands have been moving out of Puerto Rico.”
They added: “Our crews are working with precision to ensure safety and continuity of service.”
The storm caused “multiple interruptions across the island”, the company said earlier.
Hurricane Erin also saw two divers swept amid powerful waves near St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.
They had to be rescued by local crews on Sunday, authorities announced.
Shocking footage showed taken by St. Croix Rescue Chief Jason Henry showed the divers being dramatically hauled over onto a boat.
On the island of Sint Maarten, footage showed palm trees swaying in violent winds.
Its local government said cleanup crews were clearing debris since Sunday morning.
Hurricane Erin intensifies to ‘catastrophic’ category 5 with 160mph winds
A large amount of Sargassum seaweed also reached the shore – which could contain harmful toxins poisonous to people and marine life.
Erin has been labelled category 3 after multiple fluctuations in the last several days.
On Saturday it was considered to be a catastrophic category 5 hurricane.
Outer bands are continuing to sweep over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, pummelling coasts with heavy rain and strong winds.
Rainfall was recorded between two and four inches.
Up to six inches is likely to fall in some areas.
Fears are mounting that this could lead to flash flooding or mudslides.
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Large waves crashing in the Dominican RepublicCredit: EPA
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The storm caused major floods in some areasCredit: AP
As of 5pm local time on Sunday, Erin was 275 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It had maximum sustained winds of 125mph, and is reportedly currently moving west.
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón warned residents to stay home if possible.
There are no reports of flooding on the island so far – but the worst weather is expected to impact the region within the next six hours, officials said.
Terrifying footage on X also showed heavy rain falling in Cidra in central Puerto Rico on Sunday.
The hurricane is expected to strengthen in the next two days before taking a north-ward turn on Monday and Tuesday.
The storm is then forecast to gradually weaken through the middle and latter half of next week as it passes between the US and Bermuda.
Tropical storm warnings have been issued in Turks and Caicos and the southeast Bahamas, according to authorities.
In Sierra Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a suspension insulator broke and a conductor fell to the ground because of the stormy weather.
Luma Energy also advised the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, especially near downed power lines.
Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday. Image by National Hurricane Center
Aug. 11 (UPI) — Tropical Storm Erin is moving quickly and forecast to become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season by the “latter part of this week,” the National Hurricane Center said Monday.
Erin had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving west at 21 mph, according to the NHC in a 5 p.m. EDT update. That was the same strength three hours earlier when the NHC announced the fifth named storm of the season.
Erin was about 430 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands in the central Atlantic Ocean near west Africa.
NHC added Erin’s storm coordinates show it heading west while some 2,155 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands to the Caribbean.
“It is still too early to determine what impacts, if any, Erin may bring to the northern Leeward Islands, Bermuda, or the east coast of the United States,” NHC forecaster Philippe Papin said in a discussion.
An NHC tracking map shows Erin becoming a hurricane by Wednesday. It is then forecast to turn to the northwest from Thursday to Friday and become a major storm on Saturday.
Papin said that “Erin’s structure this afternoon looks like a tropical cyclone that is struggling with the nearby thermodynamic environment, with only a small patch of deep convection pulsing near the estimated center.”
Chad Merrill, an AccuWeather senior meteorologist, said: “Several factors are working in its favor, including lack of dust, warm water and a lack of disruptive breezes (wind shear).”
People in Bermuda and the Bahamas should closely monitor Erin’s progress, Merrill said.
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect given how far out to sea the storm is now. Tropical force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center.
“It is far too early to determine what, if any, impacts for southeast Georgia and northeast Florida,” NWS Jacksonville said Monday.
The previous four named Atlantic storms this year were Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dexter. None of them became hurricanes, and Chantal was the only one to make landfall in the United States, causing significant flooding in North Carolina.
Helene struck that state last year as a tropical storm, causing an estimated $53 billion in damage, after hitting western Florida as a Category 4 hurricane.
Four other hurricanes made landfall in the United States in 2024: Beryl, Debby, Francine and Milton.
People walk past sargassum clumps on the sand in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, earlier this month. Dominican President Luis Abinader has issued an urgent call to recognize the scale of the environmental crisis posed by sargassum in the Caribbean, warning that the phenomenon could deal “a significant blow to the GDP of island nations.” Photo by Orlando Barria/EPA
July 23 (UPI) — At the United Nations Ocean Conference in June, Dominican President Luis Abinader issued an urgent call to recognize the scale of the environmental crisis posed by sargassum in the Caribbean.
He warned the phenomenon could deal “a significant blow to the GDP of island nations.”
Sargassum, a floating macroalgae, has shifted from a rare anomaly to a chronic threat, hitting the tourism industries of countries such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic, where tourism makes up 19% of GDP.
This season, sargassum levels could hit a record high, with up to 25 million metric tons estimated across the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The economic effect could surpass that of previous years.
Operating costs for sargassum removal could exceed $120 million a year in critical areas, including expenses for barriers, equipment and transportation.
Esteban Amaro, director of the Sargassum Monitoring Center in Mexico, warned that the state of Quintana Roo is facing one of its worst seasons yet. The most affected areas stretch from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, along with hotspots such as Xcalak, Mahahual and Cozumel. Nearly the entire coastline is under red alert.
Countries such as Barbados, Mexico and the Dominican Republic have reported hotel booking drops of 30% to 40% during peak sargassum periods, typically between May and August. Regional losses could reach $200 million per high season, based on historical patterns.
Puerto Rico and Cuba are among other Caribbean nations battling sargassum issues daily.
The spread of this invasive seaweed, worsened by global warming, threatens not only the economy but also public health and marine ecosystems, endangering key species such as fish, coral and sea turtles. Local fishers are seeing reduced catches and falling incomes, leaving many in a difficult financial position.
As sargassum decomposes, it produces a strong odor that affects quality of life in coastal communities. More concerning are the respiratory issues it can cause, especially among vulnerable individuals exposed to its toxic emissions.
In response to the worsening crisis, the region is seeking innovative solutions, with a focus on transforming sargassum into a useful resource.
The proposals are varied and promising — from using sargassum as fuel for biomass energy to harnessing its nutrients to enrich agricultural soil. There is also discussion of extracting compounds for use in cosmetics, food products and other goods.
Sos Carbón, a startup led by young Dominican entrepreneurs, has developed an offshore system to collect sargassum before it reaches the shore and begins to decompose, releasing toxic substances. The system already is in use in Mexico, Antigua and Barbuda and Puerto Rico.
María Ceballos, a member of the product development team at SOS Carbón-Biotech, said the company has begun producing agricultural biostimulants with promising results.
This month, the Dominican Republic and the European Union launched the first Working Group on Sargassum Valorization, aimed at developing viable value chains for processing sargassum.
According to the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the goal is to turn this massive challenge into an economic opportunity for the Caribbean.
Want to go to the Caribbean this summer but lack the budget? Turns out, there’s an island much closer to home that offers similar views without the long-haul flight
A travel expert has highlighted a Scottish island that ‘looks like the Caribbean’ (stock)(Image: Ashley Cooper via Getty Images)
If you’re on the hunt for an idyllic spot to visit this summer without breaking the bank on flights, travel expert Chris Lawlor suggests a hidden gem right off the coast of the UK he claims rivals much more exotic locations. “Did you know that in Scotland you can visit a tiny island that looks like the Caribbean with a white sandy beach and turquoise waters?” he began in a TikTok video, showcasing the stunning destination.
The entire island is “explorable on foot”, according to Chris, who ventured inland during his visit, as he detailed other activities life on the island benefits from. First, he visited a nearby “sacred abbey” offering coastal “tranquillity,” and highlighted the “many other treasures” discovered along his walk. What’s more, it’s only a 10-minute boat ride from the Isle of Mull.
“Remember to respect this wee island called Iona,” he concluded.
“I’ve spent so much time in Scotland over the years, but completely missed this gem,” one TikTok user confessed in response. “Thanks for sharing.”
Another person reminisced: “Visited here with family when I was about 11 I never forget this place because of how clear the water was looking over the side of the boat and seeing hundreds of little jellyfish fish.”
A third gushed: “One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.”
Whilst a fourth shared their experience of the island, adding: “I was lucky enough to visit Iona during my time in Scotland. I stumbled upon an art store and bought a beautiful glass dish. Even on a cold, cloudy day it’s beautiful.”
The island’s official tourism website states online: “Iona, with its beauty and white sand beaches, has a time and place for everyone. From Dunbhuirg, the Iron Age fort, to the Marble Quarry, worked even in the 20th Century; from St Columba’s Bay in the south, to the White Strand of the Monks in the north, many places have their stories to tell.”
It further highlights that Iona’s wealth of activities include golf, fishing, shopping and dining out experiences and of course, its walks.
“The joy of Iona is that everything on the island is happily reached on foot,” Welcome to Iona continues.
“And though relatively small, the island has a wide variety of places to enjoy from the beautiful beaches that surround Iona to the high point of Dun I which affords dramatic views of the surrounding islands.”
When it comes to dining, there are two hotel restaurants that offer meals throughout the day, and there is the Iona Heritage Centre Garden Café that offers light snacks and soups from late morning until late afternoon.
“Each location has its own unique ambiance and style, and of course during the summer months they all be very busy,” the website adds. “Hence, reservations are recommended – and are often essential for large parties.”
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it’s been plucked right out of the Caribbean and dropped onto the coast of Scotland. Now its beauty has been officially recognised
Luskentyre Beach has been named one of the world’s best (Image: Daily Record)
If you’re dreaming of pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters and serene tranquility, you might be saving up for a trip to the Caribbean, Greece or perhaps Australia.
But according to Enjoy Travel, one of the world’s most stunning beaches is actually much closer to home – in Scotland, to be precise. Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise, such is its breathtaking beauty. It’s ranked 12th in the list of the world’s 50 most beautiful beaches, and once you set foot on its shores, it’s easy to see why.
The beach has been recognised with a Scottish Beach Award for its natural splendour and commitment to environmental preservation.
While the beach itself is captivating enough to keep you there all day, the surrounding countryside also offers plenty to explore. Whether you fancy a peaceful stroll or are more inclined towards hiking or cycling, there’s something for everyone, reports the Daily Record.
The beach has pristine dunes (Image: Daily Record)
For those seeking a bit of adventure, nearby Clisham mountain, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, promises a thrilling climb. Reach the summit and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island’s spectacular landscape.
Despite its acclaim, Luskentyre Beach remains wonderfully uncrowded. You can wander for miles without encountering another soul, making it a true hidden gem. Visitors to this stunning beach have been left utterly captivated by its natural splendour. A traveller gushed on Tripadvisor, confessing they had “never seen anything quite like it”.
They continued: “The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There’s a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that’s helpful! The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day.”
Another visitor was equally enthralled: “What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course.”
For those eager to experience this coastal paradise, you can hop on a ferry from the Scottish mainland or catch a flight to the Outer Hebrides from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.
A “gastrointestinal illness outbreak” occurred on the Navigator of the Seas that traveled round-trip to Mexico from Los Angeles between July 4 and11. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean
July 18 (UPI) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that an unknown illness sickened more than 100 people aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship earlier this month.
According to a press release from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, a “gastrointestinal illness outbreak” occurred on the Navigator of the Seas that traveled round-trip to Mexico from Los Angeles between July 4 and11.
Out of the 3,914 passengers, 134 reported being ill, as did seven crew members. The victims experienced symptoms that included abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, but the CDC reports that the “causative agent” has not been determined.
The ship’s crew took preemptive measures for passengers by isolating sick and then collected stool specimens from them for testing. Cleaning and disinfection procedures were also implemented and the CDC notified.
Statistics from the Vessel Sanitation Program show 18 bouts of gastrointestinal illness aboard cruise ships under the program’s authority in, which ties for the total amount in all of 2024.
There were only 14 in all of 2023, but a CDC spokesperson told USA Today in April that although “the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend.”
Hushinish Beach on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides can only be reached by car – but it’s well worth the journey to the ‘Caribbean of the North’
10:00, 18 Jul 2025Updated 10:23, 18 Jul 2025
This Scottish beach is the UK’s answer to the Carribean(Image: Getty)
Standing on the pristine white sands of Hushinish Beach, you’d be excused for believing you’ve got a row of palm trees stretching behind you on a sweltering Caribbean shoreline.
This breathtaking beach in the Outer Hebrides sits on the western edge of the Isle of Harris.
The gorgeous soft sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters create a perfect swimming destination all year round, though visitors are cautioned that the water can be absolutely freezing. The beach is reachable by car via a 30-minute journey along a fairly winding route.
Sawdays holidays notes that the pristine waters mean if you “squint a little and you could be in the Caribbean”.
It described this Isle of Harris stretch as among Scotland’s “truly spectacular” coastal gems, reports the Express.
The beach is a rare spot where you can swim on the island(Image: Getty)
A campervan site sits adjacent to the beach, meaning some larger motors use the access road, reports Scotland Less Explored. Free parking is also available right at the beach.
Complimentary loos and heated water showers are provided at the beach for those braving a visit during chillier months or finding themselves in urgent need after an extended journey.
Inside the Huisinis Gateway building, which operates from 7am to 7.30pm daily, visitors can discover details about native wildlife. It’s also perfect for enjoying a packed lunch on dreary days, as the glass panels offer a glimpse of the stunning shoreline.
Taking a dip at the beach is entirely feasible. Unlike many charming little bays on the island that are exposed to the open sea, resulting in large waves and powerful currents, this bay is shielded by a headland, allowing for easy swimming.
If you’re after a stunning view of the beach, make a stop just before reaching the car park on the B887. From here, you can capture a breathtaking panoramic shot of the beach and the adjacent peninsula.
There are plenty of viewpoints for hikers to enjoy(Image: Getty)
Simply park your vehicle and stroll back a few hundred metres in the direction you came from to snap a memento that will surely incite envy among your friends and family.
Should the gorgeous views start to lose their charm, there’s a bit of history to delve into nearby. The Bunavoneader Whaling Station, established in the early 1900s by a Norwegian firm, was intermittently operational for nearly six decades.
Today, one of the original three red brick chimneys still stands, along with colossal concrete platforms where ships once docked with their gargantuan catches.
Additionally, the North Harris Eagle Observatory is within cycling distance from the beach, or less than half an hour’s walk.
The observatory is a modest wooden building equipped with large glass windows, providing a quiet spot to observe wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for the majestic golden eagle.
The town of Sierra Grande in, southern Argentina was home to Latin America’s largest iron ore mine, but its closure in 1991 turned it into a ghost town. Today, its 12,000 inhabitants see hopes reborn, thanks to two multimillion-dollar projects that could turn it into a new oil mecca. File Photo by Juan Macri/EPA
July 17 (UPI) — Foreign direct investment in Latin America and the Caribbean rose 7.1% in 2024, reaching nearly $189 billion, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean reported Thursday.
The increase came despite global economic uncertainty and an overall decline in investment flows worldwide.
Brazil and Mexico accounted for 61% of the total, helping offset declines in Colombia, Chile and Argentina. Investment also rose in Central America and the Caribbean, particularly in the manufacturing and communications sectors.
“Much of the increase is due to reinvested earnings from companies already operating in the region rather than new capital inflows,” said José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, a Costa Rican economist and public policy expert.
Equity contributions — the component that reflects new investments — are at their second-lowest level since 2010.
Globally, foreign direct investment dropped 11% in 2024 when excluding transactions in European financial centers, a decline attributed to rising geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and the restructuring of global value chains.
“Higher levels of conflict and heightened uncertainty are holding back investment decisions worldwide or at least are a deterrent,” said Salazar-Xirinachs, who is executive secretary of the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Despite the global slowdown, announced foreign direct investment projects in the region surged 40% to a record $168 billion, driven by major hydrocarbon developments in Argentina, Mexico and Guyana. These included liquefied natural gas and oil megaprojects.
Unlike global trends, which prioritize renewable energy and semiconductors, Latin America’s investment announcements were dominated by fossil fuels. Renewable energy projects ranked second, but their value declined 13% from the previous year.
Marco Llinás Vargas of the economic commission noted concern over the region’s heavy reliance on extractive industries. He said the drop in technology-intensive investment is troubling and emphasized the need for more diverse and advanced forms of investment that can contribute to long-term productive development.
The report identified critical minerals — such as lithium, copper and rare earth elements — as a strategic opportunity for the region. Chile alone holds more than 30% of the world’s lithium reserves, but production and value-added exports remain limited.
“Reserves don’t automatically translate into production or economic benefit,” said Martín Abeles, head of the commission’s Natural Resources Division. There is a lack of technical, regulatory and institutional capacity to turn potential into performance.
From 2005 to 2024, just 21% of global mining foreign direct investment targeted Latin America. While lithium investments have increased — particularly in Argentina — other minerals have not seen similar momentum.
The United States strengthened its position as the leading investor in the region, accounting for 38% of the investment in 2024. The EU’s share — excluding Luxembourg and the Netherlands — fell to 15% of the regional total, its lowest level since 2012.
Investment from Latin America and the Caribbean made up 12% of foreign direct investment inflows, making it the third-largest source. Chinese investment accounted for just 2% of total inflows in 2024.
Abeles called for stronger policy alignment, citing countries like Australia and Canada that tie investment to local supplier development, technology transfer and environmental governance.
Digital transformation was also highlighted as a crucial development path. While foreign investment in telecommunications and data centers has grown, the region attracts only 7% of global digital investment.
Foreign direct investment can be a catalyst for digital transformation, Salazar-Xirinachs said, but only if matched by absorptive capacity and infrastructure.
Brazil and Mexico led the region in digital investment, followed by Argentina, Chile and Colombia. The commission recommended improving institutional coordination and investing in digital workforce development.
Despite progress, the report noted that Latin America and the Caribbean continue to face persistent challenges in attracting new investors.
The commission urged governments to treat foreign direct investment as part of broader productive development strategies. The report outlines 10 policy guidelines aimed at strengthening technical, operational, political and strategic capacities to attract and retain high-impact investment.
Attracting foreign investment must go hand-in-hand with broader development policies, Salazar-Xirinachs said. It’s not just about the amount of investment, but its quality and impact.
This Caribbean gem boasts glorious beaches, impressive eateries and almost guaranteed good weather, so we couldn’t wait to explore. Here are our best bits and top tips…
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — An unusual request from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights about Cuban medical brigades that operate worldwide and provide much needed help has roiled countries in the Caribbean and the Americas.
In a letter obtained by the Associated Press, the commission asks members of the Organization of American States, OAS, for details including whether they have an agreement with Cuba for medical missions, whether those workers have labor and union rights and information about any labor complaints.
“This was an unprecedented move,” said Francesca Emanuele, senior international policy associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. “It’s deeply troubling.”
Cuba has more than 22,000 doctors working in more than 50 countries, including in the Caribbean and the Americas, according to its government. A breakdown for the region was not available, but many impoverished nations in the Caribbean rely heavily on those medical professionals.
The commission, an independent body of the OAS, which is heavily funded by the U.S., said it plans to analyze the data collected as well as offer recommendations “given the persistence of reports of rights violations.”
A spokesperson for the commission declined comment, saying the letter is private.
The letter was sent after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions in late February for Cuban or foreign government officials accused of involvement in Cuba’s medical missions, which he called “forced labor.”
“The timing is really suspicious,” Emanuele said, noting that the information requested “falls squarely” within the member states’ sovereign decision-making. “The role of this organization should not be distorted.”
In June, the administration of U.S. President Trump slapped several unidentified officials from Central America with visa restrictions.
A deadline looms
Silence has prevailed since the human rights commission issued its May 24 letter giving OAS member states 30 days to respond.
“I’m awaiting a regional approach,” said Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He said in a phone interview that he would raise the issue next week during a meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States as chairman.
“There are no human rights issues involved here,” he said, noting that St. Vincent is party to several international and labor conventions. “They have not been breached and will not be breached.”
Gonsalves said Cuban doctors run the sole hemodialysis center in St. Vincent that provides free care to 64 patients at a rate of $5 million a year.
“Without the Cubans, that dialysis center will close,” he said.
When asked if he worried about potential visa restrictions, Gonsalves said he met earlier this year with Rubio and provided a lengthy letter that he declined to share detailing the work of Cuban medical professionals in St. Vincent.
“We didn’t scrimp on any of the details,” he said. “I didn’t walk away from that meeting thinking that there was any possibility or threat of sanctions.”
A divided region
Guyana’s foreign minister, Hugh Todd, told the Associated Press on Friday that the government plans to amend its payment and recruitment system involving Cuban medical professionals.
He said their main concern “is to make sure we are compliant with international labor laws.” Todd did not say whether the planned amendments are related to concerns over U.S. visa restrictions.
Late Thursday, Guyanese Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said the government wants to ensure that “the conditions of work here don’t run afoul of the requirements set by the United States of America.”
Guyana depends heavily on the U.S. for support, especially given an ongoing and bitter border dispute with neighboring Venezuela.
Some Caribbean leaders have said they would risk losing a U.S. visa, noting that Cuban medical professionals provide much needed help in the region.
“If we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter… if the cost of it is the loss of my visa to the U.S., then so be it,” Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley told Parliament in March as legislators pounded a table in support.
No Cuban medical workers are currently in Barbados.
Echoing Mottley’s sentiment was Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley.
“I just came back from California, and if I never go back there again in my life, I will ensure that the sovereignty of Trinidad and Tobago is known to its people and respected by all,” he said in March.
In April, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized what he described as a campaign against the Caribbean country.
“There is no doubt that that desperate campaign to block Cuban cooperation has two clear objectives: to close off any avenue of income for the country, even in an activity as noble and necessary to other nations as healthcare services,” he said.
“The other reason is political and ideological: They want to sweep Cuba away as an example. And they resort to methods as immoral as threatening any foreign official involved in that activity,” he added.
Rubio has defended visa restrictions, saying they promote accountability.
Coto writes for the Associated Press. AP reporters Bert Wilkinson in Georgetown, Guyana, and Andrea Rodríguez in Havana contributed to this report.
