From Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic: the Caribbean islands that are playing a key role in U.S. operations in Venezuela

The United States is leaning on a chain of strategic Caribbean islands to intensify pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government, using their geography to support a growing military push in the region.

Since early fall, the Trump administration has carried out more than 20 strikes in Caribbean and Pacific waters against vessels and crews accused of moving narcotics. And last month, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a new initiative aimed at expanding the fight against narcoterrorism.

Why the U.S. is expanding its military footprint in the Caribbean

Hegseth announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear, led by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear and U.S. Southern Command. He described the initiative as a mission to defend U.S. territory, dismantle narcoterrorist networks, and block the flow of drugs into American communities.

In a statement on X, he emphasized that the Western Hemisphere remains a priority security zone for Washington and framed the operation as a direct response to threats emerging from the region.

Earlier in his second term, President Trump issued an executive order directing the State Department to classify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, arguing that their activities pose a national security risk beyond what traditional organized crime represents.

That designation broadened the legal authority of U.S. agencies to confront drug trafficking and helped justify the military buildup now visible across the Caribbean.

How Operation Southern Spear works

To keep Southern Spear running, the administration relies on a network of regional partners who provide essential logistical support — including airstrips, supply points, radar access, temporary camps, and secure storage.

According to BBC reporting, the U.S. buildup includes at least a dozen warships, a nuclear submarine, surveillance aircraft, helicopters, drones, and two major carriers: the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Iwo Jima.

Military personnel involved in the operation are estimated to exceed 15,000 service members.

Which Caribbean nations are supporting the U.S.?

The countries and territories offering support range across the eastern and southern Caribbean. They include:

• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Puerto Rico (U.S. territory)
• U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S. territory)
• Aruba
• Curaçao
• Bonaire
• Grenada

Their geography provides the U.S. with the launch points it needs to intercept vessels believed to be carrying drugs and to maintain a constant military presence near Venezuela.

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