Trump Deploys F-35 Jets to Puerto Rico as U.S. Escalates Caribbean Drug War

The United States has intensified its military campaign against drug trafficking networks in the Caribbean by deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico, marking one of the most significant escalations in the region under President Donald Trump's renewed anti-narcotics strategy.

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The move follows a deadly missile strike earlier in the week on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea that U.S. officials claimed was transporting members of a Venezuelan drug cartel. 

The incident, which reportedly resulted in 11 deaths, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and legal experts over the justification and broader geopolitical implications.

According to reports, the F-35s -- advanced stealth fighters -- are scheduled to arrive in Puerto Rico next week. They are part of a larger military buildup that has included warships and surveillance assets positioned throughout the Caribbean. 

U.S. officials say the deployment is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes and deterring what they call “narco-terrorist” activities allegedly linked to Venezuela.

The Pentagon also reported a separate incident in which two Venezuelan military aircraft flew dangerously close to a U.S. naval vessel operating in international waters -- behavior characterized as a deliberate attempt to interfere with American operations.

Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela remain high. Washington has long accused President Nicolás Maduro’s regime of colluding with transnational criminal organizations. 

Last month, the State Department raised its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, further escalating diplomatic pressure.

While the Trump administration has framed the current operations as necessary for national security, critics in the U.S. Congress have raised concerns about legality and proportionality. 

Some lawmakers argue that the administration has bypassed congressional authority by launching lethal strikes without formal approval.

Analysts also warn that a continued military presence could lead to deeper regional instability. They point to the potential for unintended consequences, including the risk of prolonged military engagement in Latin America and a rise in anti-American sentiment.

As deployments continue, global observers are closely monitoring how Washington intends to reconcile aggressive enforcement with international norms and long-term regional stability.