PENTAGON NDAs SHROUD LATIN AMERICA MISSION AS CARRIER STRIKE GROUP SURGES

Reuters reports Pentagon personnel tied to an expanded Latin America mission are being asked to sign NDAs as the U.S. deploys the Gerald R. Ford carrier group and other assets for counter-narcotics operations. Since early September, at least 13 strikes on suspected drug vessels have killed about 57 people, with scant detail on targets. Lawmakers say they’re being kept in the dark as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tightens press access and staff interactions with Congress. The escalation heightens tensions with Venezuela and Colombia, but the piece lacks a direct immigration or deportation nexus.