Winds of War
F-35s in South America: US in Final Preparations for Strike on Venezuela
The jets' appearance comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, including economic sanctions, seizures of oil tankers, and mutual accusations of violating international law.
The United States is intensifying its military posture against Venezuela: Stealth F-35 fighter jets have been deployed to the Roosevelt Roads base in Puerto Rico, a move described as unusual and raising assessments of advanced preparations for military action against the Maduro regime.
Reports and social media documentation show renewed activity at the long-dormant base in the Caribbean, with F-35s positioned there in recent weeks.
Security sources indicate this is a non-routine deployment for the region, suggesting Washington aims to place advanced, rapid, and stealthy strike capabilities within close range of Venezuela. The choice of F-35s, the cutting edge of the US Air Force, is seen as sending a clear message of deterrence, and possibly more.
This deployment is part of Operation Southern Spear, a major US counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean launched under the Trump administration, targeting drug cartels allegedly linked to Venezuela. However, analysts note the scale, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, multiple warships, submarines, and now additional F-35A jets from the Vermont Air National Guard arriving as recently as yesterday, suggests broader strategic pressure on Nicolás Maduro.
US officials frame the buildup as combating narco-trafficking from Venezuela, with lethal strikes already conducted on suspected smuggling vessels. Venezuela condemns it as provocation and preparation for regime change, mobilizing forces and seeking support from allies like Russia, China, and Iran.
No official Pentagon announcement confirms imminent strikes, but the reactivation of Roosevelt Roads and enhanced air capabilities have fueled speculation of potential deeper operations into Venezuelan territory.