In recent weeks, tensions in the Caribbean, centered on the United States and Venezuela, show no signs of easing. Alongside the significant military presence that the Republican administration has deployed to the region, there have been growing demonstrations of the expeditionary and amphibious capabilities of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel and assets.
Throughout September, Puerto Rico has been the focus of these demonstrations, which, while intended to raise readiness and preparedness levels for operations in support of U.S. foreign policy, also send a clear deterrent message.
In recent days and weeks, amphibious exercises have been observed in Puerto Rico by Marine Corps units, concentrated at the Camp Santiago Training Area as well as other points across the island.
Images circulating online show the deployment of a wide range of amphibious, aerial, and naval capabilities aimed at projecting power from the sea to the shore for the establishment of beachheads.
As reported days ago by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, its 8×8 LAV-25 armored combat vehicles were deployed on the shores of Arroyo, Puerto Rico, after being transported aboard hovercraft launched from amphibious assault ships stationed offshore, including the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17).
However, the deployment of assets has not only included amphibious resources but also aerial ones, such as UH-1Y Venom tactical helicopters, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters. The latter were tasked with transporting significant numbers of personnel and vehicles by sling load, while the former carried out tactical transport, attack, and close air support missions, including live-fire exercises with door-mounted machine guns, missiles, and rockets.
Also noteworthy in the air-naval operations was the presence of MV-22B Osprey aircraft belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), tasked with inserting forces into the Camp Santiago area of operations.
Finally, while these exercises and shows of force are aligned with directives from the White House and the Department of Defense, it should not go unnoticed that growing rumors are circulating regarding the possibility of moving forward with a military option to neutralize drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, many of which have been linked to supporting the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.
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