Venezuela's doomsday clock ticking? US reactivates Puerto Rico fortress as USS Ford leads armada

The U.S. has reactivated the long-closed Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico after 20 years, marking a major shift in Caribbean power balance. The base, originally opened in 1943 and shut in 2004, is now back in use as the U.S. expands military posture near Venezuela. Reports say helicopters and heavy transport aircraft have already begun using a massive 11,000-foot runway, and the base is now one of five active U.S. locations in Puerto Rico. The U.S. also deployed ten F-35 jets to Puerto Rico earlier this year, while USS Gerald R. Ford and multiple warships patrol Western Atlantic. Seven more ships operate across the Caribbean as Operation Southern Spear intensifies. The U.S. has launched about 20 strikes targeting alleged narcotics boats near Venezuela, causing rising tensions as Caracas calls actions a provocation. The U.S. is also weighing possible land strikes on Venezuela as senior officials brief Trump for a third straight day.