Marine F-35B stealth fighter aircraft landed in Puerto Rico yesterday, September 13th, as the United States significantly bolsters its airpower in the Caribbean following one of the largest naval deployments ever to the region, according to a SOUTHCOM update shared on September 14th. The deployment of the advanced fighter jets is part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, which includes a substantial naval presence. This action comes amidst heightened regional tensions, including recent statements by Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López threatening Guyana and Trinidad if they collaborate in any attacks. His remarks were reported within the past hour, between 9:47 PM and 10:32 PM UTC on September 14th. Previously, between 6:32 PM and 8:32 PM UTC on September 14th, a Venezuelan military transport aircraft, FAV-9508, a C-30H Hercules, was tracked flying from the El Libertador air base to Orchila Island, returning by approximately 8:32 PM UTC. An unidentified aircraft, potentially a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, was also observed flying at 49,000 feet near Venezuelan airspace on September 14th, according to social media posts. The Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel was also dispatched from Willemstad, Curaçao, on the morning of September 14th, its specific mission undisclosed.
