The United States has decided to deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to fight drug cartels. The move is likely to heighten tensions in the southern Caribbean.
The decision comes three days after U.S. forces attacked a Venezuelan drug ship, killing 11 people. Experts say the operation could pave the way for a long-term military campaign in Latin America.
The United States has deployed seven warships and a nuclear submarine to the Caribbean in recent weeks, carrying more than 4,500 sailors and marines. In addition, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is conducting exercises south of Puerto Rico, including the F-35 fighter jets, scheduled to be deployed by the end of next week, which are aimed at targeting narco-terrorist organizations in the Caribbean.
The military buildup is part of President Donald Trump’s pledge to crack down on drug cartels, which he accuses of supplying the United States with narcotics.
