The U.S. has deployed 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, according to military sources. The move comes after a recent confrontation involving Venezuelan aircraft and a U.S. Navy vessel, signaling heightened regional instability.

The Department of Defense stated that the deployment is part of efforts to counter drug cartels, emphasizing that Venezuela’s leadership should refrain from interfering with U.S. operations. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the Trump administration of seeking “regime change” in the region, a claim the president denied.

Trump reiterated on Friday that the U.S. is not pursuing regime change but highlighted concerns over Venezuela’s recent election process. Earlier this week, the U.S. conducted a military strike against a Venezuelan drug ship, resulting in 11 fatalities. The administration is reportedly considering further actions against suspected cartel targets within Venezuela.

The deployment of F-35s to Puerto Rico, located 550 miles from Venezuela, coincides with the presence of the USS Iwo Jima, a military vessel equipped to launch F-35B jets. Venezuelan forces, which operate only 13 F-16s and 21 outdated Su-30MK2s, face a significant technological disadvantage against U.S. stealth capabilities.

A previous incident saw two Venezuelan F-16s fly near a U.S. destroyer in the Caribbean, described by officials as a “show of force.” The response from the vessel remains unclear.

The situation underscores growing military posturing in the region, with both sides escalating rhetoric and strategic moves.