US Ramps Up Caribbean Military Buildup with New Deployments of Troops

The United States has significantly escalated its presence in the Caribbean this week, dispatching a wave of troops, transport, and cargo planes to Puerto Rico in a move that heightens pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by flight tracking data reviewed by The New York Times, the U.S. military ordered the transfer of a large number of special operations aircraft, troops, and equipment to the region during the penultimate week of 2025.

This surge aims to provide the White House with “additional options for possible military action in Venezuela,” according to U.S. officials. The buildup aligns with President Donald Trump’s rhetoric earlier this week. “We have a massive armada formed, the biggest we have ever had, and by far the biggest we have ever had in South America,” Trump declared on Monday, hinting that “the same program on land” would begin soon.

Flight data indicates that C-17 heavy-lift cargo planes conducted at least 16 flights to Puerto Rico over the past week. These aircraft, capable of transporting large numbers of troops and heavy equipment, arrived from bases across the United States, including New Mexico, Illinois, Florida, and Washington state.

According to El Tiempo, the deployments include at least ten CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, which are utilized by special operations forces for high-risk infiltration and extraction missions. These aircraft departed from Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico and arrived in the Caribbean on Monday night.

US special forces and rangers have been deployed in the Caribbean 

The nature of the units involved points to specialized capabilities. The forces likely include elements from the 27th Special Operations Wing and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers.” Additionally, U.S. Army Rangers, elite light infantry trained to seize airfields and provide security for specialized units such as SEAL Team Six or Delta Force, are reportedly among the troops transported.

While the White House and Department of Defense declined to comment on specific movements, a spokesperson for Southern Command described the activity as “standard practice to routinely rotate equipment and personnel.”

Attack Drone Training: Practical Application#marines with Lima Company, BLT 3/6, 22nd MEU (SOC) operate a Neros Archer first-person view drone during attack drone training Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Nov. 20, 2025.@USMC 📸@Southcom @DeptofWar pic.twitter.com/Pnz5TebDby

— 22nd MEU (@22nd_MEU) December 22, 2025

However, the scale and specificity of the assets suggest a posture beyond routine rotation. The Caribbean already hosts some 15,000 U.S. troops, alongside a fleet that includes F-35A stealth fighters, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, destroyers, and an amphibious Marine force.

The presence of US troops in the Caribbean has paralyzed Venezuela’s oil exports  

The military pressure coincides with an aggressive economic chokehold. As reported by The New York Times, the U.S. campaign against tankers carrying Venezuelan crude has paralyzed the country’s oil exports. Since the seizure of the tanker Skipper on Dec. 10, only two vessels carrying state-owned crude have attempted to sail beyond Venezuelan waters.

Ports are reportedly clogging with full tankers that officials are afraid to send into international waters. To keep oil wells pumping, the Maduro government is considering using privately owned tankers for floating storage.

In a pre-dawn action early this morning on Dec. 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela.

The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund… pic.twitter.com/nSZ4mi6axc

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) December 20, 2025

The crisis reached the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said that Washington would apply “maximum sanctions” to deprive Maduro of resources he allegedly uses to finance the “Cartel of the Soles.” Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada denounced the U.S. actions as a “gigantic crime of aggression” and accused Washington of seeking to divide the region. “They want us divided to conquer us piece by piece,” Moncada said.

Regional powers remain split. While countries such as Chile and Argentina reiterated their nonrecognition of Maduro’s legitimacy, they also expressed concern over the military escalation. “Chile warns that the escalation of an armed conflict would have devastating humanitarian consequences,” said Chilean representative Paula Narvaez. “The challenges of Venezuela do not have a military solution.”