UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced the deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, escalating military operations in the Caribbean. This urgent move comes in response to escalating threats posed by Venezuelan drug trafficking networks, which are believed to be operating as a proxy for Russia.
Officials, including Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), have expressed grave concerns about Venezuela’s role in facilitating large-scale drug trafficking into the United States. Perry described Venezuela as “a puppet state for Russia,” warning that the situation has become a “proxy war” with serious implications for national security. “Russia is using Venezuela to move a massive amount of fentanyl and drugs,” he told NewsNation, labeling these operations as “acts of war” against the U.S.
The military buildup follows a deadly strike on July 25, 2025, where U.S. forces conducted a “kinetic attack” that resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua. This group has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization and is known for its involvement in drug trafficking. The operation occurred in international waters as the individuals were allegedly transporting drugs toward the U.S.
In a stark warning, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that further military actions are imminent. “Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate,” he declared, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The response from the Venezuelan government has been swift and aggressive. President Nicolás Maduro ordered “maximum preparedness” in reaction to the U.S. military actions, labeling them as “criminal and bloody threats.” Tensions escalated further when two Venezuelan aircraft flew provocatively close to U.S. Navy vessels on Thursday, raising alarms within the Pentagon.
The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico is set for late next week and signifies a significant escalation in counter-narcotics operations aimed at dismantling the Russian-Venezuelan drug trafficking networks. As the situation develops, both military officials and lawmakers are emphasizing the importance of safeguarding U.S. borders against these threats.
The implications of these actions are profound, as they not only affect international relations but also directly impact the safety and security of American citizens. With drug trafficking on the rise, the U.S. government is taking decisive steps to protect its borders and mitigate the influx of dangerous substances.
As the U.S. military prepares for further operations, all eyes will be on the Caribbean and the Venezuelan response to this latest escalation. The situation is fluid, and developments are expected to unfold rapidly in the coming days.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story continues to develop.
