Trump Deploys Stealth Fighter Squad to Puerto Rico Amid Caribbean Cartel Crackdown

Trump Sends Stealth Fighter Planes to Puerto Rico Amid War on Caribbean Drug Cartels In a significant escalation of the US military's presence in the Caribbean region, President Donald Trump has deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighter planes to Puerto Rico, according to reports. The move comes as part of a broader effort to combat what the administration sees as a Venezuelan-led drug trafficking operation. The deployment was first reported by Reuters on Friday, citing two sources briefed on the matter. According to these sources, the F-35s will be stationed at a US military base in Puerto Rico and will be used to conduct surveillance and interdiction missions against suspected drug traffickers in the region. This development 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 strike has been widely criticized by international observers, who have raised concerns about the lack of evidence and the potential for civilian casualties. The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, defended the strike on Wednesday, saying that such actions will continue to be taken against those involved in drug trafficking in the region. "We will not tolerate the flow of illicit drugs into our country," Rubio said. "We will take all necessary measures to protect our national security and the safety of our citizens." The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico has been met with a mix of reactions from international observers. Some have welcomed the move as a necessary step to combat drug trafficking in the region, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for escalation and the impact on regional stability. "The US military presence in the Caribbean is already significant, and this deployment only adds to it," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of international relations at the University of Puerto Rico. "We need to be careful not to create more problems than we solve." The background of the conflict is complex, with Venezuela's government accused by the US of being involved in drug trafficking operations in the region. The Venezuelan government has denied these allegations, and tensions between the two countries have been escalating in recent months. The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico marks a significant escalation of the US military presence in the Caribbean region. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact regional stability and the ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela. Background: The US has long been concerned about drug trafficking in the Caribbean region, with many countries in the area struggling to combat the flow of illicit drugs. In recent months, tensions have escalated between the US and Venezuela over allegations of Venezuelan involvement in drug trafficking operations. The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico marks a significant escalation of the US military presence in the region. Additional Perspectives: "The US needs to be careful not to create more problems than it solves," said Dr. Rodriguez. "We need to work with regional partners to address the root causes of drug trafficking, rather than just focusing on military solutions." "This deployment is a necessary step to protect our national security and the safety of our citizens," said Rubio. Current Status: The F-35s are expected to arrive in Puerto Rico in the coming days, with the US military announcing plans for joint operations with regional partners to combat drug trafficking in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact regional stability and the ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela. Next Developments: The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico is expected to have significant implications for regional stability and the ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela. As the situation continues to unfold, international observers will be closely watching developments in the region. *Reporting by Theguardian.*