Pentagon Strengthens Caribbean Presence Amid Rising Cartel Threats

Washington announced the deployment of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group to the Caribbean in response to increasing cartel-related maritime smuggling. Defense officials emphasized that the mission aims to safeguard trade lanes and deter organized-crime networks operating off Latin America’s coast. Crude oil prices edged up 0.7% to $92.4 per barrel as traders priced in possible shipping disruptions. Analysts viewed the operation as a tactical projection of force designed to stabilize supply routes while reinforcing diplomatic partnerships across the region.