U.S. Military Expands Presence in Caribbean Amid Ongoing Anti-Narcotics Campaign

Wed Oct 22 2025 12:42:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The U.S. Navy has significantly increased its military assets in the Caribbean and near Venezuela, dedicating warships, aircraft, and thousands of personnel to bolster its anti-narcotics efforts in the region.

Since the summer, the Trump administration has escalated military operations in the Caribbean Sea and off the Venezuelan coast as part of a revamped strategy against narcoterrorism. The deployment includes a fleet of warships, advanced aircraft, and over 6,000 military personnel, all aimed at reinforcing U.S. influence and combating drug trafficking in South America.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. military has recently intensified its presence in the Caribbean Sea and near Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to combat narcoterrorism in the region. This development began over the summer when the Trump administration decided to shift military assets to enhance operations targeting drug-related activities.

As it stands now, the U.S. Navy has assembled an impressive array of ships in the Caribbean, comprising eight warships, including three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship. The amphibious assault ships are notable, carrying an expeditionary Marines unit that incorporates various assets, like Marine helicopters and Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, allowing for rapid deployment in both maritime and land operations.

The destroyers and cruisers are typically equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking targets hundreds of miles away, enhancing the military’s long-range capabilities in the region. Furthermore, the USS Newport News submarine is also present, adding further firepower to the U.S. naval operations.

In terms of air support, advanced U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jets have been transferred to an airstrip in Puerto Rico since mid-September. Additionally, MQ-9 Reaper drones have been tracked operating in the area, known for their capacity to conduct long-distance surveillance and strike missions. P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as well as the heavily armed AC-130J Ghostrider, are also deployed from Puerto Rico.

The Pentagon has not disclosed specific numbers regarding the personnel involved, but estimates suggest that over 6,000 sailors and Marines are actively engaged in operations in the region. As reconnaissance flights of B-52 Stratofortress bombers have occurred recently, the full scale of the military's presence remains fluid, with various aircraft constantly passing through for operations.

This significant military buildup illustrates the U.S. commitment to combat narcoterrorism and stabilize the Caribbean region during ongoing geopolitical tensions.