Puerto Rico is once again in the spotlight as the U.S. amplifies its military presence in the Caribbean, aiming to combat drug cartels in the region. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, landed in San Juan on Monday to offer support to U.S. forces currently engaged in training exercises on the island.
The arrival of top military officials follows the deployment of hundreds of U.S. marines to Puerto Rico for these exercises, a move seen as a strategic effort to bolster national security. As Puerto Rico’s Gov. Jenniffer González noted, “We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico to U.S. national security and for their fight against drug cartels and the narco-dictator Nicolás Maduro.”
During their visit, Hegseth and Caine engaged with military personnel at the 156th Wing Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Carolina. Hegseth expressed gratitude to nearly 300 soldiers, referring to them as “American warriors” for their dedication to the cause.
Tensions escalating
The U.S. military’s actions in the Caribbean are not without controversy. A recent U.S. strike on a suspected drug vessel from Venezuela resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals and stirred mixed reactions in the region. While Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister supported the strike, other Caribbean leaders, including Barbadian Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds, have called for open communication to prevent surprises in U.S. military actions.
In response to these tensions, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has urged dialogue with the U.S. to prevent further conflict, stressing the importance of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
‘No to War’
Back in Puerto Rico, the U.S. military’s presence has sparked protests reminiscent of past grievances. The island has a history of military use, notably the 1999 incident in Vieques that resulted in the death of civilian David Sanes Rodríguez. Recent demonstrations at the National Guard base in Carolina reflect ongoing unease, with participants holding signs reading “No to War” and “No to military bases in P.R.”
Sonia Santiago Hernández, founder of Mothers Against War, voiced concerns about Puerto Rico being a staging ground for U.S. military operations. However, González downplayed these worries, emphasizing Puerto Rico’s critical role in combating drug trafficking.
Marines in Puerto Rico
According to Siul López, spokesman for Puerto Rico’s National Guard, the marines training in Puerto Rico are not connected to the recent maritime deployments in the Caribbean. The training, which commenced on August 31, involves amphibious maneuvers and other exercises, and was planned well in advance.
González estimated the presence of over 1,000 marines on the island, engaging in activities intended to enhance their operational readiness. The U.S. Marine Corps has highlighted Puerto Rico’s challenging terrain as ideal for honing specialized skills.
While the duration of Hegseth and Caine’s stay remains unclear, their visit underscores the strategic importance of Puerto Rico in U.S. military operations. López, however, refrained from providing further details about their itinerary.
