On Saturday, September 13, 2025, five F-35 fighter jets from the United States Air Force landed at the former Roosevelt Roads military base in Puerto Rico as part of planned maneuvers to strengthen operations against the Caribbean drug cartels. This move comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, already fueled by maritime operations, military exercises, and mutual accusations.
The arrival of these aircraft occurred shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, visited Puerto Rico and described some missions as active rather than mere training. In addition to the fighter jets, helicopters, aircraft, and military personnel have also been observed, reinforcing the significant U.S. presence in the area.
Why does this military deployment cause so much anger in Venezuela?
Because the Venezuelan people see it as a direct threat to their government, accusing the United States of entering Caribbean territory under the pretext of fighting drug cartels.
This military buildup, along with recent diplomatic clashes, has turned the Caribbean into the center of a new wave of tension between the two nations, while other countries watch closely to see whether these moves could escalate into a larger confrontation.
