Name: U.S boosts military presence in Puerto Rico amid Venezuela tensions
Uploaded: 2025-12-07T07:32:56.481Z
Duration: 1 min 37 s
Description: To crackdown on so-called “narcoterrorists”, the US has slowly but steadily been building up its military presence in the Caribbean. 15,000 troops are now stationed in the area, many in Puerto Rico.

To crackdown on so-called “narcoterrorists”, the US has slowly but steadily been building up its military presence in the Caribbean. 15,000 troops are now stationed in the area, many in Puerto Rico.

Ponce

The United States has increased its military activity in Ponce, Puerto Rico, with regular movements of amphibious vehicles, warships, and Osprey aircraft reported in recent weeks. Hundreds of soldiers have also been transported from the area, despite the absence of an official military base in the city.

This buildup comes as tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela continue, with Washington aiming to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings, with some concerned about the situation but others viewing the military presence as positive and unlikely to affect daily life.

U.S boosts military presence in Puerto Rico amid Venezuela tensions

We are in Ponce, a city on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, about an hour and a half from the capital, San Juan, and where in recent weeks, U.S. military activity has increased. Now, there is no official military base here, but only in the few hours since we arrived, we've seen a fairly regular coming and going of military assets. Hovercraft, these amphibious military vehicles used to transport equipment and personnel, both on land and sea, have been arriving and departing from this small port, where two warships are also docked with more offshore. And not long ago, a couple of hundred soldiers were bussed away from here, presumably to one of the military bases on the island. Now, a few kilometers from here at the local airport, Osprey aircraft have also been loading and unloading supplies, piquing the interest of local residents and aviation enthusiasts alike. I do know of many people here that are concerned about the situation between the United States and Venezuela, but I don't think we'll be affected here. It shouldn't affect us to have this military presence here. On the contrary, it is a good thing. It's been a week now since President Donald Trump last alluded to a direct military attack on Venezuela. And as the days pass and military activity increases on this island, a U.S. territory some 800 kilometers from Venezuela tension in the region grows, something that Washington is hoping will eventually force Nicolás Maduro from power. Julia Galeano, Ponce, Puerto Rico.

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