Despite denials, some in Puerto Rico believe an attack on Venezuela is imminent
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Despite denials from President Donald Trump regarding potential military strikes against Venezuela, the U.S. Navy continues to expand its presence in the Caribbean, fueling speculation locally that Puerto Rico could play a key role in an imminent attack against the South American country.
Reports from mainland media outlets suggest that the buildup is part of a broader strategy targeting Venezuelan drug operations, though some observers believe deeper geopolitical motives may be at play.
The increased military activity has sparked concern among Puerto Ricans, with many taking to social media to voice their opinions. One user, Luis Alonso Vega, accused the Trump administration of using the drug trade as a pretext for intervention.
“This can happen because the empire is in full decline and needs a war to steal resources and try to revive its weakened economy,” Vega wrote, citing the U.S. national debt and interest payments as driving factors behind the alleged strategy.
Last week, when asked aboard Air Force One whether he was considering strikes inside Venezuela, Trump responded, “No.” However, the brevity of his statement left open questions about future military plans.
Adding to the tension, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the direction of the Department of Defense, issued a Notice to Airmen establishing temporary flight restrictions over an area off the southeast coast of Ceiba in eastern Puerto Rico. The restricted zone includes airspace above the former U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, which has recently been used for military exercises. The order, identified as FDC 5/9106, took effect on Saturday and will remain active through March 31, 2026, citing “Special Security Reasons.”
The FAA directive prohibits civilian aircraft from operating within the designated airspace, which spans altitudes from 2,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level. Only Department of Defense aircraft are authorized to enter the area.
According to U.S. media reports, the Navy has deployed several warships to the region, including the USS Gettysburg, USS Gerald R. Ford, and USS Lake Erie, joining a fleet of roughly eight other vessels engaged in enhanced counter-narcotics operations. The administration has reportedly targeted more than 14 vessels suspected of drug trafficking in recent weeks.
Public reaction remains divided. While some social media users, like Arlene Bayo, criticized the United Nations for its silence on the matter, others have expressed support for a potential intervention, citing the need to address drug activity linked to the Venezuelan regime of President Nicolás Maduro.
The developments come amid broader concerns over the implications of U.S. military actions in the region and Puerto Rico’s strategic role in any future operations.