Sat Sep 06 01:57:33 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**F-35s Deployed to Puerto Rico Amid Rising Tensions with Venezuela**

**[City, State] – [Date]** – In a move that further escalates tensions in the region, the United States has reportedly deployed F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of an ongoing naval operation targeting Latin American drug cartels. The deployment comes amid reports that the Trump administration is considering options for strikes against drug trafficking groups operating within Venezuela, a move that could dramatically escalate the already strained relationship between Washington and Caracas.

According to sources, 10 F-35s are being sent to an airfield in Puerto Rico. This deployment coincides with a significant US naval buildup in the southern Caribbean, including warships, Marines, and a nuclear-powered submarine positioned near Venezuelan waters.

President Trump defended the US approach, stating the US was “not talking” about regime change, but was concerned about the legitimacy of Venezuela’s election. However, he also warned Venezuela that the US military had authorization to shoot down Venezuelan jets if they posed a threat to US vessels. This warning followed accusations from the Department of Defense that Venezuelan F-16s flew near a US warship in a “highly provocative” manner.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the US actions, calling for Washington to “abandon its plan of violent regime change.” He has mobilized Venezuela’s military in response to perceived threats, stating that the country would enter a period of armed struggle if attacked. He has also expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the US.

The recent US military actions in the region include the destruction of a speedboat in the Caribbean, which the Trump administration claimed belonged to a Venezuelan criminal organization linked to President Maduro. Caracas condemned the incident as an “extrajudicial killing” of civilians.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s approach, arguing that aggressive military action is necessary to combat drug cartels operating in the region.

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