The United States has deployed F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico as tensions with Venezuela increase. Washington says the move is aimed at strengthening anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. However, officials and analysts believe it also signals a warning to President Nicolas Maduro. Alongside the jets, the US Navy has increased its presence with seven warships, thousands of sailors and Marines, and a nuclear-powered submarine.
Reports suggest the Trump administration is considering direct strikes on Venezuelan cartels accused of having ties to Maduro. On Tuesday, US forces destroyed a speedboat linked to the Tren de Aragua group, killing eleven people. Caracas condemned the incident as an “extrajudicial killing,” while legal experts questioned its compliance with international law. The strike marked a sharp escalation in Washington’s regional strategy.
In response, Maduro called on the US to “abandon plans of violent regime change in Latin America.” He stressed that Venezuela respects Trump but warned against military conflict. At the same time, he mobilized the nation’s 340,000 soldiers and millions of reservists, claiming the country is prepared for armed struggle if attacked. His remarks underscored the deepening standoff between Caracas and Washington.
The situation has already produced dangerous encounters. On Thursday, US officials accused Venezuelan jets of approaching the destroyer USS Jason Dunham in a “provocative” maneuver. Trump later warned that any Venezuelan aircraft threatening American assets would be shot down. He said the military has clear authorization to respond if its forces are put at risk.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the hardline policy during a visit to Mexico. He said decisive action is the only way to weaken Venezuela-linked cartels. Rubio argued that “blowing them up” would be the most effective deterrent. With both nations trading threats, the risk of open conflict in the Caribbean appears to be rising.