

Could Trump's boat strikes turn into war?
5 snips Oct 20, 2025
National security reporter Alex Horton, known for his insights on military actions, discusses U.S. strikes on Caribbean boats, with a focus on recent attacks linked to drug trafficking. He highlights the shift from Coast Guard operations to military strikes under Trump's administration and the lack of evidence supporting these actions. Horton delves into the implications of survivors from Colombia complicating legal narratives and the potential motivations behind these operations, including speculation about regime change in Venezuela and strained U.S.-Colombia relations.
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Refuse Gagging Policies To Preserve Access
- Journalists refused a Pentagon gag-style policy and walked out to preserve independent reporting.
- Media must avoid agreements that restrict routine questioning about military operations and locations.
Drug Interdiction Recast As Military Mission
- The Trump administration reframed drug interdiction as a homeland-defense military mission rather than a law-enforcement task.
- That shift enabled missile strikes on boats instead of traditional Coast Guard interdictions and prosecutions.
Large Buildup Signals Sustained Operations
- The U.S. has staged a sustained buildup in the Caribbean with ships, aircraft and about 10,000 troops.
- This posture signals preparation for prolonged operations, not isolated warning strikes.