U.S. F-35s in Puerto Rico ramp up pressure against cartels and Maduro in the Caribbean

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
US F-35s in Puerto Rico ramp up pressure against cartels and Maduro in the Caribbean
US F-35s in Puerto Rico ramp up pressure against cartels and Maduro in the Caribbean (X @usairforce)

The Pentagon released the first official images of the F-35B fighter jets of the United States Marine Corps deployed to the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico.

The ten jets arrived at the location on September 13, coming from the Yuma base in Arizona, and are already participating in patrols in the region, including near the coast of Venezuela. The presence of these aircraft is part of the U.S. military reinforcement in the Caribbean, officially aimed at combating drug trafficking.

This move comes amid intensified pressure from the Trump administration against Nicolás Maduro. In addition to offering a $50 million reward for the capture of the Venezuelan leader, Washington has expanded maritime and air operations in the region, involving destroyers, submarines, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and even the special operations ship Ocean Trader.

Recently, Trump also classified drug cartels as “illicit combatants,” paving the way for direct military actions.

According to Venezuelan authorities, some of the F-35s were tracked flying over the Maiquetía region. While the U.S. has not officially confirmed these incursions, experts point out that the fighter jets could be used in attacks on cartel bases inland, leveraging their ability to operate in more restricted airspaces.

The situation signals an escalation of tensions in the Caribbean, with the F-35s now positioned as a key asset in this strategic game.

Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @usairforce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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