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US Strikes Kill 11, Colbert Blocked, Tech News Breaks

US Military Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats Kill 11, Raising Death Toll

WASHINGTON - February 18, 2026 - The U.S. military conducted strikes on three alleged drug trafficking boats in Caribbean waters on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, according to a report by Euronews. This brings the total number of fatalities to at least 145 since the Trump administration began targeting individuals it refers to as "narcoterrorists" aboard small boats.

The strikes, detailed in a statement from US Southern Command, targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. Euronews reported that this was one of the deadliest days of the Trump administration's campaign against alleged traffickers.

In other news, Jack Altman announced he would be joining Benchmark as a general partner, as reported by TechCrunch. Altman has been running his own VC firm, Alt Capital, since at least 2024. Alt Capital raised a $150 million Fund I in early 2024 and then a $274 million Fund II last September. According to PitchBook, Alt Capital invested in at least 52 companies, including Rippling, Antares Nuclear, and CompLabs. Altman stated on LinkedIn that the past two years running Alt Capital were the most rewarding of his life, adding that he loved new ideas and being part of a team with a mission. It is unclear what will happen to Alt Capital or whether Benchmark has acquired its portfolio.

Meanwhile, The Verge reported that Stephen Colbert said CBS blocked him from airing an interview with James Talarico, a Democratic representative from Texas. Colbert stated that the network's lawyers told him he could not have Talarico on the show. The network allegedly did not want to upset FCC chair Brendan Carr.

Finally, MIT Technology Review highlighted the rise of luxury car theft, detailing a new type of organized criminal enterprise involving vehicle transport fraud and theft. Crooks use email phishing, fraudulent paperwork, and other tactics to impersonate legitimate transport companies and divert luxury vehicles. They then erase traces of the vehicles' original ownership and registration. In some cases, the cars have been resold or are out of the country before the theft is discovered.

AI-Assisted Journalism

Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.

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URGENT: Slovakia Unleashes Emergency Oil to Slovnaft!
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URGENT: Slovakia Unleashes Emergency Oil to Slovnaft!

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DEVELOPING: Olympics Origin: Discover the Meaning for Athletes!
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DEVELOPING: Olympics Origin: Discover the Meaning for Athletes!

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Peru Ousts President Again; Communities Rally, Learn From Finland
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