F-35 Fighters Deployed to Puerto Rico Amid Drug Cartel Operations
Reports indicate that U.S. officials have ordered 10 F-35 fighter jets to be sent to Puerto Rico as part of President Donald Trump’s strategy against drug cartels.
According to sources cited by Reuters, these jets are heading to airfields in Puerto Rico in a move aimed at targeting narcoterrorist organizations operating in the Southern Caribbean. The aircraft are expected to arrive by late next week.
This news follows a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, which criticized Venezuela for a recent “provocative” flight of fighters over a U.S. naval warship.
In related actions, Trump authorized U.S. troops on Tuesday to conduct precision strikes against vessels carrying illegal drugs in international waters. Reports suggest that this operation resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the Tren de Aragua Narco terrorist group as they attempted to reach the U.S.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump detailed that the strikes targeted Tren Aragua terrorists who were identified in the Southcom area, labeling the group a foreign terrorist organization tied to Nicolás Maduro. They are accused of violent crimes, including murder and drug trafficking.
The strikes occurred while these individuals were at sea while transporting illegal drugs. Fortunately, no U.S. troops were harmed. The president emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning those involved in drug trafficking to be cautious.
Additionally, Reuters noted that Trump has accused Maduro of leading the violent Tren de Aragua group. In August, U.S. authorities announced the deployment of three Aegis-guided missile destroyers near Venezuelan waters as part of Trump’s broader efforts against drug cartels.
In response, Maduro has reportedly taken steps to prepare Venezuela for a potential “invasion” by the U.S., interpreting Trump’s actions as increasing threats against his regime. He has also warned that any invasion would lead to a “period of armed struggle.” The Venezuelan government has suggested that U.S. military actions in the Caribbean are part of a strategy to destabilize their regime.
