USA Uses Air Base in El Salvador to Attack Drug Cartels in Caribbean

The United States has begun using combat aircraft in the Republic of El Salvador.

According to the New York Times, the first flights from the country’s main airport started in mid-October.

Among the aircraft is the AC-130J Ghostrider, armed with cannons, machine guns and missiles. It is used to strike land and sea targets. A Navy P-8A anti-submarine aircraft and an unmarked US Air Force jet were also spotted.

The deployment of forces in the region began in August, when the Trump administration announced operations against the cartels. About 10,000 troops, drones, bombers, ships, and the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.

The deployment of strike aircraft to El Salvador is the first time a foreign country has hosted American aircraft for possible combat operations in the region.

The Comalapa base, located on the territory of the airport, was previously used for surveillance. Until 2022, Navy aircraft were based there, but recently the activity has been reduced.

A P-8A anti-submarine aircraft has made at least six sorties. After entering international space, the planes stop communicating with controllers and start operating independently.