Pete Hegseth visits Puerto Rico to boost Caribbean drug cartel fight
The fight against Caribbean drug cartels intensifies as U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine arrived in Puerto Rico to bolster military operations. Puerto Rican Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón and First Gentleman Dr. José Yovín Vargas welcomed the officials, emphasizing the Trump administration’s support for troops training on the island.
During the meeting at Muñiz Air Base in Carolina, top military leaders discussed strategies to combat drug cartels and the influence of Nicolás Maduro. Governor González-Colón expressed gratitude for President Trump’s recognition of Puerto Rico’s strategic importance for national security and commitment to protecting borders from illicit activities.
Secretary Hegseth addressed nearly 300 soldiers at the base, commending them as “American warriors” and ensuring they are equipped to face any challenges. The visit coincides with the U.S. military’s expanded naval presence near Venezuela, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes and confronting narco-terrorists.
Recent operations led by the U.S. military targeted the Tren de Aragua gang in the Caribbean, marking a shift towards more aggressive tactics against criminal organizations. President Trump’s strong stance against Maduro’s regime has led to increased efforts to dismantle drug networks in the region.
Hegseth deployed additional naval assets to the area, including the USS Iwo Jima, USS Lake Erie, USS Jason Dunham, USS Gravely, and USS Sampson, to combat criminal networks. Maduro condemned the U.S. military presence as a threat to his regime, while Governor González-Colón positioned Puerto Rico as a key player in the regional crackdown on drug trafficking.
The ongoing efforts reflect President Trump’s commitment to securing America’s borders and protecting citizens from the threat of narcotrafficking. Puerto Rico’s role in this mission highlights the island’s importance as a strategic asset in the fight against drug cartels in the Caribbean region.
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Author: Greg Wehner
Contact: Greg.Wehner@Fox.com
Twitter: @GregWehner
