US F-35s Land in Puerto Rico Amid Growing Venezuela Tensions

Source: Newsweek

Published Sep 14, 2025 at 7:27 AM EDT | Updated Sep 14, 2025 at 12:42 PM EDT


Five U.S. F-35 advanced stealth jets landed in Puerto Rico on Saturday, according to a new report.

Why It Matters

The U.S.' relationship with Venezuela, long a turbulent one, has worsened in recent weeks as the U.S. builds up its military forces close to the country. Washington and Caracas do not have formal diplomatic relations, and there is no appearance of a personal rapport between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro.

What To Know

Five of the fifth-generation aircraft landed at the eastern Puerto Rican air base of Roosevelt Roads after U.S. helicopters and other aircraft were spotted on the territory, according to Reuters. The news agency first reported earlier this month the Trump administration would send 10 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico, after the U.S. carried out a missile strike on a boat the Republican said was carrying drugs and operated by the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua cartel. Trump said the strike in early September killed 11 "narco-terrorists," but Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, said "none were drug traffickers."

"We have no force posture changes to announce currently," a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. A Pentagon spokesperson referred a Newsweek query to the White House. The 10 F-35s are reportedly expected to carry out operations against drug cartels in the region. Trump has designated groups like Tren de Aragua as terrorist organizations and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously said the U.S. could "blow up" international crime syndicates.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/us-f35-fighter-jets-puerto-rico-venezuela-2129531