Tensions are escalating between the United States and Venezuela after a deadly US strike sank a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean, killing 11 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Vice-President JD Vance defended the action, controversially saying he "doesn’t give a sh*t" about legal concerns, sparking backlash. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the strike, calling it a fabricated justification for regime change and mobilised civilian militias in response. The Pentagon has deployed warships, submarines, marines and F-35 jets to the region, while Trump warned Venezuelan jets could be shot down if they threaten US forces. The standoff raises fears of full-scale military conflict in the Caribbean.