DEVELOPING: Five U.S. F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, with identifiable markings covered, landed at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, between 10:02 PM and 10:16 PM UTC on September 13th, 2025, establishing the base as a staging area amid escalating maritime tensions with Venezuela. The aircraft, identified as originating from MCAS Yuma, had their squadron and tail flash markings obscured, according to a social media post by LatAmMilMVMTs on X, citing photos by Willem Besares on Facebook. This deployment follows previous reports of U.S. military movements in the region. Venezuelan official Jorge RodrÃguez announced on September 13th, 2025, that 8 million militiamen are preparing to defend the nation, a statement made via VTV, as reported by polianalitica on X. This announcement comes amid Venezuela's accusations that a U.S. Navy unit assaulted its fishing boat "Carmen Rosa" in international waters on the same day, causing damage, and allegations of U.S. Marines from the USS Jason Dunham assaulting a ship belonging to the Los Soles cartel. Further complicating the situation, opposition figure Macario González, former mayor of Barquisimeto, has been reported missing as of September 13th, 2025. A fire also broke out at an establishment in Barquisimeto on September 13th, 2025, as reported by the X account DesgobiernoPod. The situation in Venezuela also involves Cicpc officials and other institutions, according to a report by Luisrgrb65 on X.
