Five U.S. F-35 fighter jets landed in Puerto Rico following President Trump's order to bolster Caribbean military presence amid rising tensions with Venezuela.
Five U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighters touched down at the former Roosevelt Roads base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, according to Reuters photographer Ricky Arduengo. Their arrival follows a recent directive by President Donald Trump to deploy 10 F-35s to the Caribbean, part of a broader effort to target drug cartels operating in the region.
The deployment comes against the backdrop of intensifying tensions with Venezuela. Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the country’s top general made an unannounced visit to Puerto Rico. Military activity at the base has reportedly increased, with sightings of helicopters, Osprey aircraft, and transport planes.
While the Pentagon has not officially confirmed any changes to force posture, sources told Reuters that the F-35s are intended for counter-narcotics operations. This follows last week’s U.S. strike on a Venezuelan vessel, which Washington claimed was carrying illegal drugs. The operation killed 11 people, though Caracas disputes the U.S. version, insisting the victims were not traffickers.
On Friday, a new flashpoint emerged when Venezuela accused the U.S. Navy of illegally boarding a Venezuelan tuna fishing boat in its Special Economic Zone. Venezuelan officials said the ship, manned by nine fishermen, posed no threat and called the U.S. action hostile and illegal. U.S. officials have not commented on the allegation.
The F-35 deployment adds a potent new dimension to U.S. presence in the region. The jets, considered among the most advanced combat aircraft in the world, could easily outmatch Venezuela’s ageing air force, which includes F-16 fighters.
President Trump has denied that the U.S. seeks regime change in Venezuela, but the latest military movements suggest a firm posture as Washington ramps up pressure on the Maduro government.
Four people have sustained varying degrees of injuries after two drones fell near Dubai's International Airport on Wednesday, as Iran and Israe...
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reporte...
A 35-year-old woman was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday (10 March) after allegedly firing a semi-automati...
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their nati...
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures ...
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the “most intense day" of attacks so far. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “anyone who entertains the illusion of destroying Iran knows nothing of history."
U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone on Sunday as tensions between Washington and Westminster deepened over the conflict involving Iran. The call came less than a day after Trump criticised Britain’s response to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further attacks on Iran on Saturday (7 March), while the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia continued to shoot down missiles in their airspace. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would stop attacking its neighbours.
Global financial markets remained on edge on Friday as the escalating war involving the United States, Israel and Iran continued to rattle investors, fuelling volatility in stocks and sending energy prices sharply higher.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Kazakhstan has evacuated more than 7,300 citizens from the Middle East since regional tensions escalated, using both air and land routes to bring nationals home while closely monitoring political developments and potential economic effects linked to rising oil prices.
Almost 2,000 people have been evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan since conflict erupted in the Middle East.
Norwegian police are searching for a suspect after an explosion at the U.S. embassy in Oslo on 8 March caused minor damage but no injuries, in what authorities say may have been a deliberate attack linked to the Middle East crisis.
The first batch of Peter Mandelson’s papers on his 2024 ambassadorial appointment is set to be published on Wednesday, following a parliamentary order. The release comes amid police investigations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Four people have sustained varying degrees of injuries after two drones fell near Dubai's International Airport on Wednesday, as Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment