Recent satellite imagery and photographs reveal that the US military is upgrading an abandoned naval base in the Caribbean, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. Analysts suggest the move could be aimed at intimidating Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Satellite data and flight tracking indicate that since September 17, the US has been renovating the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico, a US territory facing Venezuela. The base, once one of the largest naval facilities, was decommissioned in 2004. Recent images show runway repairs, portable air traffic support equipment, and 20 newly erected tents near a disused hangar. Retired US Marine Colonel Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at CSIS, noted these upgrades suggest preparations for increased military aircraft operations.
Additionally, Rafael Hernández Airport in Puerto Rico has seen the deployment of US military communication equipment and mobile air traffic control towers, typically used in conflict zones or disaster responses. MQ-9 drones and ammunition storage facilities have also been spotted. While these could support long-term counter-narcotics operations, analysts warn they may also facilitate short-term actions against Venezuela.
Similar upgrades are underway at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in the US Virgin Islands, including new radar installations. CSIS researcher Christopher Hernandez-Roy linked these changes to enhanced regional surveillance, particularly over Haiti, a "blind spot" for drug interdiction efforts.
US officials and maritime experts suggest these activities signal Washington’s capability to operate within Venezuela. Hernandez-Roy speculated the moves aim to "intimidate Maduro and his generals, creating divisions."
Since August, the US has deployed at least 13 warships, five support vessels, and a nuclear submarine to the Caribbean. The MV Ocean Trader, linked to US Special Forces, was also spotted near Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group is en route to Latin American waters.
Aerial activity near Venezuela has surged, with B-52 and B-1 bombers conducting flights along its coast in October. Over a dozen reconnaissance missions and C-17 transport flights have supplied Caribbean bases, possibly prepping for operations.
While the Pentagon and Puerto Rican officials declined comment, the US Virgin Islands governor’s office stated military presence enhances security and curbs drug trafficking. Reports indicate the US has identified potential strike targets in Venezuela, including alleged drug-smuggling sites, though President Trump denied imminent action.
Maduro, citing 5,000 Russian Igla-S missiles, has vowed to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty. Russia reaffirmed support for Caracas, condemning US military pressure as pretextual. The Kremlin confirmed monitoring the situation closely, while Venezuela seeks Russian defense assistance amid rising tensions.
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