Archive · 15 Nov 2025
US Reopens Puerto Rican Naval Base Amidst Venezuela Tensions
The United States has reopened an old navy base in Puerto Rico, which is close to Venezuela.
This is part of a large show of military strength by the U.S. in the area, using many ships and planes.
The U.S. says this is to stop illegal drugs from reaching America.
However, Venezuela's leader believes the U.S. is planning to attack them and wants to change their government.
Because of this, Venezuela is getting ready to defend itself and has asked for help from countries like Russia, China, and Iran.
These countries are sending military supplies and ships.
Some people living in Puerto Rico are worried about the increase in military activity.
While the U.S. calls it a drug operation, Venezuela sees it as a step towards war.
This situation is making the Caribbean region tense.
The US has reactivated Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, a base closed for 20 years, for a significant military mobilization.
Over 10,000 US personnel and advanced military assets, including F-35B fighters and warships, are part of the operation in the US Southern Command area.
The US frames the military presence as a counter-narcotics operation named 'Operation Southern Spear' to combat 'narco terrorists'.
Venezuela accuses the US of using drug interdiction as a pretext for war and potential regime change, mobilizing its own troops and seeking military aid from Russia, China, and Iran.
Tensions are rising in the Caribbean as Venezuela deploys defensive measures and international powers increase their involvement.
- Who
- United States, Venezuela, Iran, China, Russia, Puerto Rican locals, US military personnel, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
- What
- Reactivation of a US naval base in Puerto Rico, significant US military mobilization in the Caribbean, and increased international military involvement around Venezuela, sparking tensions over potential conflict.
- When
- Naval Station Roosevelt Roads closed in 2004 and reopened recently; US mobilization ongoing, with key events in September and October; Operation Southern Spear announced November 13; President Trump's comments on November 13; China's 'Mission Harmony 2025' as part of Shanghai Expo 2025.
- Where
- Naval Station Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico), United States Southern Command area, Caribbean Sea, Western Atlantic Ocean, near Venezuela's coast, Trinidad and Tobago
- Why
- US states the mobilization is a counter-narcotics operation and part of a 'war on drugs' to remove 'narco terrorists'; Venezuela alleges it is a pretext for war and regime change, seeking military aid from other nations.
Venezuelan and Allied Concerns
US Administration's Position and Actions
Purpose of Military Mobilization
Venezuelan and Allied Concerns
Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro, assert that the US military buildup is a pretext for war and an attempt at regime change, not a genuine counter-narcotics operation. Venezuela has mobilized troops and deployed defensive measures, including drones and larger naval vessels.
US Administration's Position and Actions
US officials describe the operations, including the reactivation of Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, as a counter-narcotics operation under 'Operation Southern Spear' to remove 'narco terrorists' from the Caribbean and defend US interests.
International Involvement and Support
Venezuelan and Allied Concerns
Venezuela is seeking and receiving military aid and financing from Russia and military equipment from China, with China also deploying a naval hospital ship and establishing a trade agreement. Iran is also sending drones to Venezuela.
US Administration's Position and Actions
The US has deployed significant military assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group, F-35B stealth fighters, and other advanced aircraft, conducting joint military exercises with regional forces like Trinidad and Tobago.
Local Sentiment and Security
Venezuelan and Allied Concerns
Some Puerto Rican locals express anxiety and tension due to the military presence and uncertainty about potential conflict.
US Administration's Position and Actions
The mayor of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, expresses a sense of safety and security due to the US military presence.
- Reactivated Naval Base
- Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Ceiba, Puerto Rico
- Base Closure Year
- 2004
- US Personnel in SOUTHCOM
- Over 10,000
- US Military Assets Deployed
- USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Gravely, F-35B stealth fighters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, B-52 bomber
- Operation Name
- Operation Southern Spear
- Venezuelan Troop Mobilization
- 200,000
- International Support for Venezuela
- Iran (drones), China (military equipment, hospital ship), Russia (military aid, financing)
Sources
Just 29% of Americans support US military killing drug suspects, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
Trump briefed on Venezuela military options as USS Gerald Ford bolsters US firepower in Caribbean: Report
Venezuela’s Maduro asks Trump to steer clear of Afghanistan-style ‘forever war’
Trump officials hold meetings on Venezuela as military tensions rise