US Mobilizes Air Defenses in Puerto Rico in Preparation for Potential Conflict with Venezuela

The United States has bolstered its military presence in Puerto Rico over the past 24 hours. This includes the deployment of extensive heavy equipment and personnel, transported via C-17 Globemaster III and C-5M Super Galaxy military aircraft. These transport planes are known for their capacity to carry heavy weaponry, including advanced air defense missile systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and MIM-104 Patriot batteries.

Experts suggest that this substantial transfer of military assets may signal preparations for a potential operation against Venezuela. Tensions have intensified recently following incidents where Venezuelan Su-30MKV fighter jets flew over an American naval group in the Caribbean, an act described by the Pentagon as a “serious provocation.” In response, the U.S. has previously deployed a formidable naval group in the region, officially citing drug trafficking as the primary mission. However, analysts propose that the actual aim may involve preparing for potential strikes against key facilities in Venezuela.

The C-17 and C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft are capable of transporting large equipment, including launchers and radars for the THAAD and Patriot systems, which could serve to defend against possible retaliation in the event of an escalated conflict. Reports indicate that the increased activity of the U.S. Air Force in Puerto Rico is accompanied by heightened logistics operations, further underscoring the scale of these preparations.

Venezuelan Fighters Conduct Provocative Flyover of US Navy Group

On September 5, 2025, two multirole fighters from the Venezuelan Air Force, believed to be Su-30MKV models equipped with external fuel tanks, conducted a flyover of a mixed naval strike group from the U.S. Navy in the Caribbean Sea. This incident has been characterized by Pentagon officials as a “serious provocation.”

According to U.S. Defense Department sources, the Venezuelan fighters approached the naval group at a low altitude, raising alarms among U.S. commanders. The naval group, which includes several vessels such as an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and various combat units, has been deployed under the official guise of combating drug trafficking. However, analysts speculate that the true intent is to display military might and to prepare for a potential large-scale missile strike on strategically vital Venezuelan targets if tensions escalate.

While Venezuelan authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding this incident, President Nicolás Maduro has previously condemned what he refers to as “provocative actions” by the United States near Venezuela’s borders, accusing Washington of attempting to destabilize the region. The flyover by the Su-30MKV fighters is likely a response to the increased American military presence in the Caribbean.

In response to these developments, the Pentagon condemned the maneuvers of the Venezuelan Air Force, emphasizing that such actions heighten the risk of escalation and jeopardize the safety of U.S. Navy operations.