U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones have been seen at Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, as the United States steps up surveillance operations in the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela increase.

Footage filmed on December 26 shows several MQ-9 Reaper drones parked on the tarmac and taxiing at the airport, with U.S. personnel moving around the aircraft.

The deployment comes as Washington builds up a significant military presence in the region, including an aircraft carrier, fighter jets and other warships.

Osprey aircraft and additional MC-130J Commando II planes have also arrived in Aguadilla in recent days, according to U.S. officials.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump ordered what he described as a ‘blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

• Trump orders 'blockade' of sanctioned oil tankers leaving and entering Venezuela

The White House has accused Venezuela of allowing large quantities of drugs to reach the United States.

In recent months, the administration has authorised air strikes against boats originating in South America that it says were carrying narcotics.

Those attacks have been condemned by several countries, which have described them as extrajudicial killings.

• UN Security Council members voice concern about U.S.-Venezuela tensions
• Russia condemns U.S. excessive military force in Caribbean operations

Donald Trump has also repeatedly threatened to target drug infrastructure on land and has authorised covert CIA activity directed at Caracas, according to U.S. officials.

So far this month, the U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted two oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea, both reportedly fully loaded with Venezuelan crude.

• U.S. pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say

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U.S military Reaper drones Caribbean security Puerto Rico