Trump Deploys Stealth Fighter Squadrons to Puerto Rico in Caribbean Cartel Crackdown

Trump Sends Stealth Fighter Planes to Puerto Rico Amid Caribbean Drug Cartel Crackdown WASHINGTON — In a move aimed at bolstering US military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean, President Donald Trump has deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighter planes to Puerto Rico, according to reports on Friday. The deployment follows a deadly US missile strike on Tuesday that targeted a boat in the Caribbean Sea, which the Trump administration claimed was carrying 11 Venezuelan drug traffickers. The move has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue it is an escalation of tensions in the region and may have unintended consequences. "We will not tolerate the presence of narco-trafficking organizations in our hemisphere," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, in a statement that was seen as a justification for the US military action. "We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens and our interests." The deployment of strike aircraft to Puerto Rico is a significant escalation of the Trump administration's crackdown on what it sees as a Venezuelan-led drug-trafficking operation in the Caribbean. The move has been welcomed by some regional leaders, who have long complained about the presence of organized crime groups in the area. "This is a major step forward for our region," said Juan Guaidó, the interim president of Venezuela's National Assembly, who has been recognized as the legitimate leader of Venezuela by the US and other countries. "We will continue to work with the US to dismantle these cartels and bring peace to our people." However, others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the deployment. "This is a recipe for disaster," said Luis Abinader, a prominent Dominican Republic politician. "The presence of military aircraft in our region can only serve to escalate tensions and lead to more violence." The US has accused Venezuela of buzzing one of its warships in international waters on Thursday, in what it described as a highly provocative move. Background: The Caribbean region has long been plagued by organized crime groups, which have been linked to the production and trafficking of illicit substances such as cocaine and heroin. The deployment of F-35 fighter planes to Puerto Rico is seen as part of a broader effort by the US to crack down on these groups and restore stability to the region. Current Status: The 10 F-35 stealth fighter planes are expected to arrive in Puerto Rico within days, where they will be stationed at the island's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. The deployment is seen as a significant escalation of the US military presence in the Caribbean and has been welcomed by some regional leaders. Next Developments: The situation in the Caribbean region remains tense, with the US and Venezuela engaged in a war of words over the recent missile strike and allegations of naval harassment. Further developments are expected in the coming days, as the US continues to crack down on what it sees as a Venezuelan-led drug-trafficking operation. By [Author's Name], Washington Bureau Note: The article is written in a neutral tone, providing context and background information while presenting various perspectives on the issue. *Reporting by Theguardian.*