Escalation

The U.S. is ramping up its war on drugs.

Friday, War Secretary Hegseth ordered the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group—comprised of the world’s largest aircraft carrier and three destroyers—to the Caribbean to “bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt” criminal organizations. The carrier was redirected from the Mediterranean, bringing along dozens of fighter jets. 

The move follows several recent lethal U.S. airstrikes on suspected smuggling boats. It also turns up the pressure on Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro; in response to the deployment, Venezuela’s Defense Minister said the country is conducting military drills to guard its coast against possible U.S. “covert operations.”

Meanwhile, the Trump admin sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro and family, accusing them of enabling drug cartels, as Washington claims Colombian cocaine production has exploded “to the highest rate in decades.”

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work towards peaceful resolutions, while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)