US Secretary of War Addresses Troops in Caribbean, Declares Operation Against Drug Trafficking “Real Exercise”
San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 9, 2025 – US Secretary of War Pete Hegesh delivered a rousing address to American troops aboard the USS Iwo Jima today, emphasizing the gravity of their mission in the Caribbean. The deployment, part of a controversial US operation targeting drug trafficking originating from Venezuela, is not a drill, Hegesh insisted, but “a real exercise” in defense of vital national interests.
“Do not be mistaken,” Hegesh stated in a video released by the Department of War. “What you are doing right now is not a training. This is a real exercise in the name of the vital national interests of the USA – to end the scourge of drugs poisoning the American people.”
hegesh’s title change from Secretary of Defense to Secretary of War reflects a recent executive order signed by President Donald trump last Friday, signaling a shift in the administration’s approach to national security.
The USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, is currently positioned south of Puerto Rico. hegesh visited the US territory today alongside Governor Jenniffer González, amidst growing local concerns about the potential “remilitarization” of the island. During his address, Hegesh lauded the ship as “a floating island of American power on the front lines of defense of the American homeland.”
Escalating Caribbean Presence
The US has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea since the end of August, deploying eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine ostensibly to combat drug trafficking. Last Tuesday,the operation resulted in the destruction of a vessel allegedly linked to the Aragua gang and carrying narcotics originating from Venezuela.The operation has drawn sharp criticism from Caracas, which accuses Washington of attempting to destabilize the Venezuelan government. Venezuelan officials have mobilized their own naval forces and a large civilian militia, and are appealing to the United Nations and the international community for intervention.
Hegesh’s visit to Muñiz Air Base in Puerto Rico, where new F-35 fighter jets are slated to be stationed, further underscores the escalating military activity in the region.
The situation remains tense as the US continues its operation and Venezuela vehemently denies accusations of complicity in drug trafficking, raising concerns about potential escalation in the Caribbean.
—
SEO notes & Strategy (for world-today-news.com):
Keywords: US military, Caribbean, Venezuela, drug trafficking, Pete Hegesh, USS Iwo Jima, Donald Trump, puerto Rico, remilitarization, national security.
Meta Description: US Secretary of War Pete Hegesh addresses troops in the Caribbean, declaring the anti-drug operation a “real exercise.” Venezuela condemns the US military buildup.
Headline Optimization: Clear, concise, and includes key search terms.
Internal Linking: The original article included internal links to DW.com.We should replace these with relevant articles on world-today-news.com if available. If not, we can omit them.
Image Optimization: A high-quality image of the USS Iwo Jima or Hegesh addressing the troops would be essential. Alt text should include relevant keywords.
Target Audience: Readers interested in US foreign policy, Latin American affairs, national security, and military news.
* Content Focus: The rewrite prioritizes clarity, conciseness, and a neutral tone while still conveying the urgency of the situation.It avoids overly sensational language.
