The U.S. government is deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico for counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean.
This deployment comes amidst escalating tensions with Venezuela, which the U.S. accuses of deep involvement in drug trafficking.
Recent incidents include Venezuelan F-16s flying provocatively close to a U.S. destroyer and a U.S. airstrike on a boat linked to a Venezuelan criminal organization.
U.S. officials affirm that military operations against drug cartels in Venezuela will continue as part of increased pressure on the Maduro government.
The U.S. government has ordered 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico as tensions mount with Venezuela.
Reuters reported Friday that the aircraft were deployed to an unspecified airfield in Puerto Rico to support operations against drug cartels. It was not immediately clear what branch of the military they are from or exactly how they will be used.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
