In a display of strategic readiness, the United States is planning to deploy a squad of ten F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of its ongoing counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. Unnamed government sources confirmed this turn of events, which comes against a background of increasing tensions with Venezuela. The decision follows close on the heels of Venezuelan F-16s venturing near a U.S. naval vessel, according to a report by Reuters, who broke the news on September 5, 2025.
Surprisingly, even after the announcement of F-35 deployment, Venezuelan jets displayed further audacity by conducting another flyover, this time marking its presence over a U.S. warship identified as the USS Jason Dunham. The same warship had previously been approached by Venezuelan F-16s. Such actions were met with disapproval and were candidly described as “highly provocative moves” by the Pentagon.
President Trump, known for his decisive and firm leadership, is said to be evaluating multiple response options. One of the directions under consideration involves launching targeted strikes against drug cartels currently operating within Venezuelan territory. While these actions may appear harsh, it’s important to understand the context they fit into – that of securing the well-being of U.S. citizens and maintaining peace in the region.
Interestingly, the Caribbean theater also saw the arrival of three KC-46A tankers at St. Croix, the largest airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While it could not be immediately established whether this bore any connection to the current situation, it certainly added another dimension to the military maneuvers in the region.
While further details about the variant of the F-35s to arrive in Puerto Rico remains under wraps, speculation earmarks two main candidates – the Air Force’s F-35As and the Marine Corps’ F-35Bs. Both fighters offer specific advantages, with the F-35B enjoying the capability to operate from the USS Iwo Jima, which has been seen in the area in recent days.
Operating from the USS Iwo Jima, these advanced fighters gain proximity to the turbulent region and would be able to launch operations with a degree of unpredictability. On the other hand, if the F-35As were chosen for this mission, while they’d need to cover a more considerable distance from the land bases in Puerto Rico, they have the capability to reach Venezuela without the need for air-to-air refueling – a testament to their superior technology and design.
The key takeaway from the deployment of F-35s is their versatility. Apart from acting as a potent deterrent, the F-35 also serves as an intelligence gathering platform. Its sheer capacity to perform a variety of roles makes it an invaluable asset in tackling volatile situations. Equipped with advanced AESA radar and sensors, it is more than a match for any contemporary challenge.
Just a few days prior to the reprted F-35 deployment, on September 2, 2025, a notable operation disrupted the Venezuelan drug cartel’s maritime operation. This lethal strike, conducted by the U.S. military in the southern Caribbean, resulted in the neutralization of 11 individuals onboard a suspected drug vessel.
This military action, marking the first known use of direct force against a drug cartel’s maritime outfit, coincided with the arrival of additional U.S. warships in the region. Some officials hailed this move as a decisive step against narco-terrorism, underscoring the resolve of the U.S. administration to counter the menace of narcotics.
In the aftermath of the operation, President Trump suggested that the group was operating under the supervision of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an accusation the Venezuelan capital has outrightly denied. Additionally, President Trump’s administration has redoubled the bounty on Maduro to $50 million, stating the Venezuelan leader’s alleged ties with drug trafficking rings and criminal networks. This bold move further exemplifies Trump’s unyielding stance on crime and corruption.
Throwing a verbal salvo in response, President Maduro denounced the growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, terming it an ‘extravagant threat’ while pledging ‘maximum readiness’. He also accused the U.S. of leveraging counter-narcotics as a cover for orchestrating regime change.
The U.S. operations come amid an expanded American military presence in the Caribbean, marked by seven warships and a nuclear-powered attack submarine. Around 4,500 sailors and Marines are deployed alongside naval assets such as the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, USS Fort Lauderdale, and the USS Jason Dunham. Notably, U.S. P-8 maritime patrol aircraft have also been providing surveillance cover over international waters.
Interestingly, the USS Dunham, which was purportedly the target of the Venezuelan F-16 flyovers, maintained composure and did not engage the aircraft. However, this does not indicate a failure to respond, rather a strategic choice that may change according to the evolving situation and specific directives.
In light of the escalating situation, the U.S. posture in the region is undergoing a significant shift. If the Venezuelan aircraft persist in their aggressive actions, the U.S. military’s response, while measured, might intensify. As seen from prior interactions, the USS Dunham has so far refrained from engaging Venezuelan fighter jets directly, but this approach might adapt, given the escalating hostilities.
In conclusion, the mounting tensions signal a critical junction concerning U.S. operations in the Caribbean. With Trump’s assertive stance on drug cartels in Venezuela and the ongoing counter-narcotics operations, a strategic equilibrium is being sought. After all, it is undeniable that, under the Trump administration, American strength is formidable and unwavering.
The post Trump’s Unwavering Stance: Countering Narcotics with Strength appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
