US Deploys F-35 Fighters to Puerto Rico Amidst Escalating Tensions with Venezuela Over Drug Trafficking Operation
San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 18, 2025 – The U.S. Department of War confirmed today the deployment of F-35B Lightning II fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a broader operation aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. The move has triggered a strong rebuke from Venezuela,which alleges the operation is a pretext for intervention and a bid to destabilize the Caracas government.
According to a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the F-35B aircraft, belonging to the 225th Marine Infantry Attack Squadron, are now stationed in Puerto Rico and “ready to combat cartels whose illicit activities have had devastating consequences for Americans for decades.”
The F-35B’s unique short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities allow for operation from amphibious assault ships, theoretically enabling deployment from three U.S. naval vessels currently positioned in the southern Caribbean. Reports surfaced earlier this week indicating at least five of the advanced fighter planes had landed at the José Aponte de la Torre Regional Airport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico – the site of the former Roosevelt Roads naval base.
The deployment follows an announcement by President Donald Trump earlier this week detailing the destruction of a second vessel allegedly carrying narcotics, resulting in the deaths of three individuals identified by Washington as “narcoterrorist” Venezuelans.
However, the effectiveness of the operation is already facing scrutiny. Experts have questioned whether the Caribbean is a major transit route for large-scale drug trafficking to the united states. Despite this, the U.S. continues to assert the necessity of the intervention.
Venezuela has responded to the U.S. operation with heightened military activity, initiating maneuvers on the island of Orchila in the Venezuelan Caribbean. The Venezuelan government views the U.S. actions as a direct “threat” and a veiled attempt to force a change in leadership.
The escalating tensions raise concerns about potential further military escalation in the region.World-Today-News.com will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Keywords: F-35, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Drug Trafficking, Caribbean, US Military, Donald Trump, Military Operation, orchila, Roosevelt Roads, Narcotics, Intervention.
