The United States has deployed F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico as tensions with Venezuela intensify over drug cartel operations.
According to defense sources, ten F-35 aircraft are now positioned to support broader anti-drug missions in the region. Washington has accused several Latin American cartels of operating inside Venezuela and claimed they have links with its leadership.
Alongside the jets, the US has increased its naval presence in the southern Caribbean. Reports confirm at least seven warships, 4,500 sailors and Marines, and a nuclear-powered submarine are currently stationed there. Officials say the goal is to reduce narcotics trafficking, but the move is also seen as a warning to Caracas.
Possible US Strikes
CNN reported that the Trump administration is considering direct strikes on drug trafficking groups inside Venezuela. Such action would mark a significant escalation and could trigger confrontation in the region.
Earlier this week, US forces destroyed a speedboat in the Caribbean. President Trump said it belonged to the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua. Eleven people were killed in the strike, which Venezuela condemned as an “extrajudicial killing.” Legal experts also questioned its legitimacy under international law.
Maduro’s Reaction
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on Washington to stop pursuing “violent regime change” in Latin America. While stressing respect for Trump, he warned that an attack on Venezuela would lead to “armed struggle.”
Maduro also mobilized his country’s armed forces and militias, claiming a total strength of more than eight million personnel.
Growing Confrontation
The Pentagon accused Venezuela of a “provocative” act after two of its F-16 jets approached the USS Jason Dunham, a US Navy destroyer. Trump later warned that any Venezuelan aircraft threatening US assets would be shot down.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the hardline approach, saying decisive action was the only way to weaken drug cartels.
With US forces expanding in the Caribbean and Venezuela mobilizing at home, fears of escalation continue to grow.
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