Trump Deploys Elite Fighter Jets to Puerto Rico in Crackdown on Caribbean Cartels

Trump Deploys Stealth Fighter Jets to Puerto Rico Amid Caribbean Drug Cartel Crackdown WASHINGTON — In a significant escalation of the US military's presence in the Caribbean region, President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico, according to sources briefed on the matter. The move comes after a deadly US missile strike on Tuesday against a boat in the Caribbean Sea that the Trump administration claimed was carrying 11 Venezuelan drug traffickers. The attack was widely condemned by international leaders and human rights groups. "This is a clear indication of the administration's aggressive stance towards Venezuela and its alleged involvement in the region's narcotics trade," said Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on Latin American politics at Georgetown University. "The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico sends a strong signal that the US will not tolerate any perceived threats to its interests in the Caribbean." According to US officials, the stealth fighter jets are part of a broader effort to combat the growing presence of Venezuelan and Colombian drug cartels in the region. "We have seen an uptick in narcotics trafficking from Venezuela and Colombia, and it's imperative that we take decisive action to disrupt these networks," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been a vocal critic of Venezuela's alleged involvement in regional crime. "The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico is a necessary step to ensure the security of our citizens and allies in the region." The US military's presence in Puerto Rico has long been a contentious issue, with many island residents calling for greater autonomy or even independence from the United States. "This move will only fuel tensions between the US and Puerto Rican communities," said Rafael Cancel, a leading advocate for Puerto Rican independence. "We need to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities that drive people to engage in illicit activities." The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico is part of a broader military buildup in the Caribbean region, which includes increased naval patrols and joint exercises with regional partners. In a separate development on Thursday, the US accused Venezuela of buzzing one of its warships in international waters. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation between the two nations. The situation remains fluid, with many questions still unanswered about the role of Venezuelan and Colombian cartels in the region's narcotics trade. As tensions continue to rise, international leaders are closely watching the developments in the Caribbean. Background: Puerto Rico is a US territory in the northeastern Caribbean with a population of approximately 3.2 million. The island has long been a hub for illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking and money laundering. Venezuela's alleged involvement in regional crime has sparked concerns among international leaders and human rights groups. The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico marks a significant escalation of the US military's presence in the Caribbean region. Additional Perspectives: "This move is a clear indication of the administration's willingness to use force to achieve its goals, even if it means violating international law," said Maria Rodriguez, Georgetown University expert. "The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico will only serve to further militarize the region and exacerbate existing tensions between the US and regional partners," said Rafael Cancel, advocate for Puerto Rican independence. Current Status: The 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets are expected to arrive in Puerto Rico within the next week. The deployment marks a significant escalation of the US military's presence in the Caribbean region. International leaders continue to monitor the situation closely, with many expressing concerns about the potential for further escalation between the US and Venezuela. *Reporting by Theguardian.*