Story perspectives

U.S. Reopens Puerto Rico Naval Base Amid Venezuela Tensions

11/16/2025

Center

U.S. Expands Naval Presence

The U.S. reopened Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, expanding presence amid tensions with Venezuela.
F-35 jets and naval assets have been deployed under Operation Southern Spear to counter drug trafficking linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. has conducted strikes on vessels it says are tied to Nicolás Maduro, producing casualties.
Venezuela mobilized 200,000 troops for exercises, while officials, including U.S. President Donald Trump, discuss potential operations.

Left

Trump Considers Ecuador Deployment

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration may reestablish a military presence in Ecuador, pending a weekend vote.
Discussions with Ecuador center on security cooperation in Manta, where troops were stationed until 2009.
The United States conducted 20 strikes on drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, with at least 79 casualties.
The United States is expanding military infrastructure, including renovations at Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico and revival of bases in Panama.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. military presence in Manta, Ecuador, ended in July 2009 after a decade-long agreement, coinciding with the rise of leftist leaders like Rafael Correa. This shift reflected broader regional changes, as Ecuador sought to assert its sovereignty. Currently, the U.S. is expanding operations in Puerto Rico to combat drug trafficking linked to Nicolás Maduro's regime, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions in Latin America.

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U.S. Expands Naval Presence

The U.S. reopened Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, expanding presence amid tensions with Venezuela.
F-35 jets and naval assets have been deployed under Operation Southern Spear to counter drug trafficking linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. has conducted strikes on vessels it says are tied to Nicolás Maduro, producing casualties.
Venezuela mobilized 200,000 troops for exercises, while officials, including U.S. President Donald Trump, discuss potential operations.

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