US Military Deploys Fighter Jets in Puerto Rico Amid Tensions with Venezuela

The US military has stationed 10 fighter jets in Puerto Rico as part of efforts to combat Latin American drug cartels. This move comes shortly after two Venezuelan military aircraft approached US naval vessels in the region.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the Department of Defense ordered the deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets. The details were shared on the condition of anonymity to Hill’s sister outlet, News Nation.

On Thursday, two aircraft linked to the “Maduro regime” were reported flying near US naval ships in international waters. The Department of Defense described this action as “very provocative,” suggesting it aimed to undermine counter-terrorism operations.

The Pentagon issued a warning, advising Venezuelan cartels against further efforts to disrupt US military operations focused on anti-drug and counterterrorism efforts.

Officials mentioned to Reuters that two Venezuelan F-16s had passed near USS Jason Dunham during this incident.

The US Southern Command has referred queries to the Department of Defense, which has yet to provide a comment.

In addition to the jets, the Trump administration has already sent at least seven warships to the Caribbean. Over 4,000 Marines and seafarers are currently engaged in the fight against drug cartels in the area.

The deployment of these fighter jets has escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela. This is particularly significant following an operation where the US military targeted a “drug ship,” resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals identified as members of Venezuela’s Trans de Aragua, a group labeled as a foreign terrorist organization by the US government.

Trump mentioned that a strike targeted a boat leaving Venezuela and another heading towards the US, although details surrounding the operation remain vague. Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of these actions.

Critics argue that these extrajudicial killings represent violations of international law, raising fears about the potential for the administration to take similar actions domestically against gang members or drug dealers without due process.

The White House defended the strike as necessary for protecting US national interests and providing collective self-defense for nations impacted by drug trafficking and cartel violence.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that the strike adhered to the laws of armed conflict, emphasizing that it was carried out to protect US personnel and did not involve ground troops.