The U.S. government is deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico for counter-narcotics operations, amidst rising tensions with Venezuela.
This action is part of a broader U.S. campaign accusing Venezuela's government of deep involvement in illegal drug trafficking, making it a major focus of the Trump administration.
Recent escalations include Venezuelan F-16s flying near a U.S. destroyer, a U.S. airstrike on a boat killing alleged gang members, and the U.S. increasing military presence and rewards for the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
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.
