The U.S. is deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico for counter-narcotics operations, coinciding with escalating tensions with Venezuela.
This deployment follows a "highly provocative" incident where Venezuelan F-16s flew close to a U.S. destroyer in the Caribbean.
The U.S. government accuses Venezuela's President Maduro and his administration of deep involvement in drug trafficking and has initiated a broader campaign including previous warship deployments and an increased bounty for Maduro's capture.
Recent actions include a U.S. Navy airstrike against a Venezuelan criminal organization, with the White House stating military operations against drug cartels will continue.
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.
