Puerto Rico is currently witnessing an escalation of U.S. military operations on the island in conjunction with efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
Governor Jenniffer González confirmed that Fox News hosts Pete Hegseth and Will Caine visited the island representing President Donald Trump’s administration to express support for those engaged in military training.
“We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico to U.S. national security and for their fight against drug cartels and the narco-dictator Nicolás Maduro,” González stated.
During their visit, Hegseth addressed approximately 300 soldiers at the Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, which is situated just east of the capital, San Juan.
The pair’s visit coincided with preparations by the U.S. to deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico for operations specifically targeting drug cartels.
A source familiar with the deployment plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that information about these deployments has not yet been made public.
Tensions in the region have been escalating, particularly following President Trump’s announcement on September 2 regarding a recent U.S. military strike in the southern Caribbean.
The operation targeted a vessel suspected of drug trafficking that had departed from Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals.
Trump underscored that the vessel was linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister praised the U.S. military operation and advocated for violent measures against drug traffickers, reactions from other Caribbean leaders have been more restrained.
Barbadian Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds disclosed that Caricom leaders requested an open line of communication with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding developments in the region.
This effort aims to preempt any surprises stemming from potential U.S. actions against Venezuela.
Conversely, Venezuelan government officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, have vehemently denied accusations of their involvement in the global drug trade.
Rodríguez chastised the United States for its military presence near Venezuela, suggesting that Washington should redirect its maritime assets to the Pacific where cocaine trafficking originates from Colombia.
“Those ships that are trying to intimidate Venezuela today should be there in the Pacific if they truly wanted to fight and prevent cocaine from reaching the United States of America,” she remarked.
Rodríguez contended that Venezuela has no relevance in global drug production and highlighted that the U.S. should focus on addressing consumption within its own borders.
Her comments reflect broader themes of perceived hypocrisy and political maneuvering in international drug enforcement efforts, particularly regarding nations that do not align with U.S. interests.
In Puerto Rico, the ongoing military training and forthcoming deployment of fighter jets have sparked protests from local residents who recall the heavy military presence on the island in the past.
Public memory of the 1999 death of security guard David Sanes Rodríguez, killed during a U.S. Navy training exercise in Vieques, remains fresh and continues to shape opposition to military operations in Puerto Rico.
Numerous demonstrators gathered at the National Guard base in Carolina, vocally opposing the increased U.S. military presence and brandishing signs with slogans like “No to War” and “No to military bases in P.R.”
Sonia Santiago Hernández, founder of Mothers Against War, articulated concerns over Puerto Rico being utilized as a staging ground for U.S. military actions in the region.
In contrast to these protests, González has reaffirmed that Puerto Rico’s involvement is critical to Trump’s fight against drug trafficking, viewing the island as a vital border in the Caribbean.
Siul López, a spokesperson for Puerto Rico’s National Guard, clarified that a group of Marines currently training on the island is not associated with the recently deployed U.S. maritime force.
López emphasized that the training exercises, which involve amphibious maneuvers with various vehicles, were planned in advance, although he could not specify when the planning began or the number of Marines involved.
The Marine Corps has indicated that the training mobilizes troops from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to build readiness for operations in challenging terrains.
The locality’s tropical climate is characterized as ideal for realistic training and specialized skill development.
It remains uncertain how long Hegseth and Caine will be in Puerto Rico or if their schedule includes visits to additional sites.
López abstained from providing details regarding their specific itinerary.
As Puerto Rico grapples with these dual narratives of support and opposition, the increasing military focus underscores broader geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean and the fight against drug trafficking.
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