UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced the deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico as tensions escalate over drug trafficking operations linked to Venezuela. This military action follows a recent strike that killed 11 members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization deemed a foreign terrorist group.
The urgent military buildup comes in response to growing concerns that Venezuela is acting as a proxy for Russia, facilitating large-scale drug shipments, including fentanyl, into the United States. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that Venezuela has become “a puppet state for Russia” and is “seemingly willing to fight a proxy war with the United States.”
In an interview with NewsNation, Perry emphasized, “Russia is using Venezuela to move a massive amount of fentanyl and drugs across U.S. borders,” labeling these operations as “acts of war.” He stated, “We have a duty to protect our citizens,” highlighting the administration’s justification for military intervention.
On October 25, 2023, President Trump confirmed that U.S. forces conducted a “kinetic attack” against the Tren de Aragua in international waters, targeting individuals allegedly transporting drugs to the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that further operations would follow, stating, “Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate.”
Tensions on the ground are escalating as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared “maximum preparedness” against what he termed “criminal and bloody threats.” The Pentagon revealed that two Venezuelan aircraft approached U.S. Navy vessels provocatively on October 26, raising alarms about potential military confrontation.
The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico, set for late next week, marks a significant escalation in the U.S. counter-narcotics operations targeting the Russian-Venezuelan drug trafficking networks. This decisive military response underscores the administration’s commitment to securing U.S. borders against drug-related threats.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the Caribbean, where military and diplomatic tensions are likely to rise. The implications of this conflict extend beyond national security, affecting communities across the United States grappling with the devastating impacts of drug trafficking.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds.