Trump Deploys Elite F-35 Jets to Puerto Rico in Crackdown on Caribbean Cartels

Trump Deploys Stealth Fighter Jets to Puerto Rico Amid Caribbean Drug Cartel Crackdown In a significant escalation of the US military's presence in the Caribbean, 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 as part of a broader effort to combat what the administration sees as a Venezuelan-led drug cartel threat in the region. The decision was made 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 strike, which was carried out by a US Navy destroyer, has been widely criticized by human rights groups and some international observers as a disproportionate response to the alleged threat. "We will not tolerate the trafficking of illicit goods and people in our hemisphere," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, defending the missile strike and hinting at further military action. "We will take all necessary measures to protect American interests and citizens." The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico marks a significant escalation of US military operations in the region. The stealth fighter jets are capable of conducting air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. The move has been welcomed by some regional leaders who see it as a necessary response to the growing threat posed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government. "We have long called for greater international cooperation to address the scourge of narco-trafficking in our region," said Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader. "This deployment is a positive step towards that goal." However, others have expressed concern about the potential consequences of increased US military presence in the Caribbean. "The militarization of the region will only lead to more violence and instability," warned Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. Background: The Caribbean has long been plagued by narco-trafficking, with groups from Venezuela, Colombia, and other countries operating in the region. The US has previously deployed military assets to the area, but this is the first time F-35s have been sent to Puerto Rico. Current Status: The 10 F-35s are expected to arrive in Puerto Rico within the next week, where they will be integrated into existing US military operations against drug cartels. The deployment marks a significant escalation of the US military's presence in the region and is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional politics and security. Next Developments: The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico is expected to be followed by further military action against Venezuelan-led drug cartels in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has hinted at a broader strategy to address the threat, which could include increased cooperation with regional partners and greater use of military force. *Reporting by Theguardian.*