US deploys 6 MQ-9A Reaper UAVs to Puerto Rico

The US presence in the Caribbean has been brought back into the spotlight with a striking development. Satellite imagery released by the China-based space intelligence company MizarVision reportedly spotted six MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles parked at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on September 9th.

Washington maintains that it is strengthening its military presence in the Caribbean to combat illicit activities in the region, but experts warn that this deployment could escalate tensions between the US and Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government alleges the US is seeking regime change within the country and is fabricating pretexts for it. US forces previously raided a boat allegedly carrying drugs in the southern Caribbean islands facing Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump, in his statement regarding the attack, said, “Please consider this a warning to anyone considering bringing drugs into the United States.”