SAEDNEWS: Five US F-35 aircraft were seen landing in Puerto Rico on Saturday amid rising tensions with Venezuela.
Five US F-35 stealth fighters were spotted landing at the former Roosevelt Roads military base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, following orders from President Donald Trump to bolster US military presence in the Caribbean. The move comes amid growing concerns over drug cartel activity and escalating tensions with Venezuela, Reuters reports.
The arrival of the F-35s was captured by contract photographer Ricky Arduengo, who also noted the presence of US helicopters, Osprey aircraft, transport planes, and military personnel at the base in recent days.
The deployment follows a surprise visit to Puerto Rico this week by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the nation’s top military general, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
When asked about the aircraft, a Pentagon duty press officer stated: “We have no force posture changes to announce currently.”
Sources told Reuters last week that the Trump administration had ordered 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico for operations against drug cartels, signaling a significant military buildup in the Caribbean as Washington monitors regional security threats.
The F-35 deployment highlights the US’s growing focus on the Caribbean amid rising geopolitical tension and the ongoing fight against organized crime networks.
