F-35 stealth fighter jets reportedly joining US naval operation against drug cartels are seen as a move to pressure Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.
Published On 6 Sep 2025
According to news organizations, 10 advanced fighter jets are being sent to an airfield in Puerto Rico as part of operations against Latin American drug cartels designated by Washington as “narco-terrorist” organizations.
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CNN reported that the Trump administration is considering attacks on drug trafficking groups inside Venezuela, which would mark a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro called on the US to cease its plan of violent regime change in Venezuela and Latin America, emphasizing the need for sovereignty, peace, and independence.
Maduro stated that Venezuela is ready for a dialogue and respects Trump, but would not tolerate a military conflict. He has mobilized Venezuela’s military and claimed that, in the event of an attack, the country would immediately enter a period of armed struggle.
Trump stated that the US is not considering regime change in Venezuela but is talking about the controversial election that led to Maduro’s return to office.
Trump: ‘They’ll be shot down’
The deployment of F-35 warplanes comes amid a US naval build-up in the southern Caribbean. American warships, Marines, and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine have been deployed off Venezuelan territorial waters.
The US Department of Defense accused Venezuela of a “highly provocative” move after two F-16 fighter planes flew near the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham.
Trump warned Venezuela that the US military has authorization to shoot down the jets if they are perceived as a threat to their vessels.
Venezuelan authorities did not respond to comments regarding the reported F-35s deployment or US claims of Venezuelan fighter jets flying over a US warship.
