US Military Relocates Caribbean Assets as Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica and Regional Operations

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to cross eastern Cuba on Tuesday night after striking Jamaica.

The United States has repositioned military assets in the Caribbean to avoid potential danger as Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica with expected landfall on Tuesday.

The US currently maintains a significant military presence in the region, including seven Navy vessels and F-35 stealth fighter jets as part of stated counter-narcotics operations. These forces face potential impact from the approaching hurricane.

According to Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), US forces "have implemented inclement weather plans and moved away from any area where current or forecasted weather conditions are hazardous and could potentially pose unacceptable levels of risk." SOUTHCOM assured that despite these precautionary measures, forces "remain ready and able to accomplish their assigned missions."

Since early September, the United States has conducted operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the region and has substantially increased its military presence, claiming anti-trafficking purposes. Venezuela, however, has expressed concerns that these actions might be directed toward regime change.

Beyond the existing military assets deployed in the area, the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has been directed to Latin America, representing a substantial enhancement of military capabilities in the region.

Hurricane Melissa is now imminent, with Jamaican officials warning of severe infrastructure damage to the island nation upon impact.

American military forces could potentially provide humanitarian assistance, though SOUTHCOM did not immediately respond to inquiries about such plans.

The hurricane may disrupt US anti-trafficking operations in the Caribbean by limiting operational capabilities and potentially keeping vessels that would otherwise be targeted off the water during the storm.

Meanwhile, operations have continued in the Pacific, where Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reported that US forces killed 14 individuals on Monday.

To date, US forces have destroyed at least 14 vessels—13 boats and one semi-submersible—resulting in at least 57 fatalities, according to an AFP calculation based on US reports.

Washington has not yet provided evidence confirming that targeted vessels were involved in drug smuggling. Experts argue that such strikes violate international law even when directed at known traffickers.