Pentagon head goes to Puerto Rico amongst tensions with Venezuela

2025-09-09 09:46:33

(MENAFN) Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth traveled to Puerto Rico on Monday as Washington ramps up military operations targeting Venezuelan drug cartels, with the island now a key hub for US regional anti-narcotics strategy.

Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, joined by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, welcomed Hegseth and praised the Trump administration for underscoring Puerto Rico’s strategic role.

“We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing Puerto Rico’s value to US national security and the fight against cartels backed by narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro,” Gonzalez-Colon posted on X. She added that the mission would make the island “America’s border in the Caribbean” by striking drug sources directly.

The visit comes after Trump signed an executive order expanding the use of military force against Latin American cartels. On August 28, the US deployed a naval group—including seven warships and a submarine—off Venezuela’s coast, with reports suggesting F-35 fighter jets may also be stationed in Puerto Rico.

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