Tensions in the Caribbean

Pictures show: US sends more planes and helicopters

The US has sent additional military reinforcements to the Caribbean, reports the Wall Street Journal. This concerns both soldiers and weapons that strengthen the US's ability to carry out attacks or impose an oil embargo.

Satellite images and flight data show that fighter jets and rescue helicopters have been placed in Puerto Rico. In addition, tanker aircraft, which can refuel fighter jets in the air, have been moved to the Dominican Republic.

The latest armament strengthens the image that the US is planning military operations, according to analyst Heather Penney.

- The important thing about the forces and capabilities being moved to the area is that they are optimized to carry out precise attacks, which can minimize civilian damage.

Caribbean Tensions — The Case

• The United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and off Venezuela with over 15,000 troops and several warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, since September 2025.
• US forces have carried out attacks on boats allegedly smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, resulting in a large number of casualties.
• The legality of the attacks has been questioned by the United Nations, international law experts and several countries, and the United Kingdom and Colombia have suspended intelligence cooperation with the United States over the methods.
• An attack on September 2 led to accusations of war crimes by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after two survivors were killed in a second attack.
• The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, which Venezuela has called “piracy” and “theft”, and the United States is said to be planning to stop more oil shipments.
• Venezuela has responded with a massive military mobilization, recruiting thousands of new soldiers and asking Russia, China and Iran for military support. 
• President Trump has threatened to close Venezuelan airspace and given Maduro a deadline to leave the country, while talks between Trump and Maduro have taken place without result.