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The Puerto Rican War of Independence (2029–2034) was a brutal conflict in which Puerto Rican revolutionaries, united under the Ejército Nacional de Puerto Rico (ENPR), fought to expel the United States and its proxy, the Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG), from the island. The war was marked by missile strikes, guerrilla warfare, foreign intervention, war crimes, and devastating human costs, leading to the eventual liberation of Puerto Rico and its emergence as a sovereign state.

The war is also known as the Second Iranian-American War due to the fact that Iran directly intervened in the conflict by providing training to the ENPR, as well as sending IRGC operatives and Hezbollah fighters. Iran also supplied the Puerto Rican secessionists with missiles, which turned the tide of the war and gave the ENPR as significant amount of deterrent power.

In total, roughly 500,000 people were killed in the five years of conflict. The devastating human cost has led many to refer to the war as a genocide against the Puerto Rican people. There were horrific war crimes committed by both sides. Both the US and the PRNG routinely employed torture, rape, and collective punishment in order to crush Puerto Rican resistance. Towns and neighborhoods suspected of harboring ENPR cadres were often bombed and attacked by the US and ENPR. The ENPR retaliated by killing both PRNG officers and their families often in brutal fashion, any perceived collaborators with America, and American settlers and tourists.

A Brief History of Puerto Rican Independence Movements[]

The desire for independence in Puerto Rico has deep historical roots, stretching back to the island's colonial past under both Spanish and later American rule.

  • 19th Century Rebellions: The push for independence began in earnest in the late 19th century with movements like La Revolución de Lares in 1868, when Puerto Ricans revolted against Spanish colonial rule, declaring a brief but significant Republic of Puerto Rico. Although this uprising was ultimately quashed, it ignited a spirit of resistance that would persist.
  • Spanish-American War: Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States. The island's status changed from Spanish colony to U.S. territory, leading to disillusionment among many Puerto Ricans. In the early 20th century, various groups emerged advocating for independence or greater autonomy, such as the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, founded in 1922, which carried out several violent uprisings against U.S. rule.
  • Ponce Massacre of 1937: One of the most significant events in Puerto Rican history occurred on March 21, 1937, when the PRNG opened fire on a peaceful parade in Ponce, killing 19 people and injuring dozens more. This massacre became a symbol of U.S. repression and fueled the independence movement, solidifying anti-American sentiment on the island. The massacre served as a stark reminder of the lengths to which U.S. authorities would go to maintain control.
  • Nationalist Uprisings: In the 1930s, nationalists orchestrated armed revolts, including the Ponce Massacre. These acts of violence only heightened calls for independence and reinforced the perception of U.S. oppression.
  • Mid-20th Century Movements: Throughout the 20th century, the quest for independence continued, with various political parties advocating for differing degrees of autonomy, statehood, and independence. The Puerto Rican independence movement gained momentum in the 1950s, with groups like the FALN (Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional Puertorriqueña) engaging in violent acts to draw attention to their cause.
  • Cultural Renaissance: By the late 20th century, a cultural renaissance underscored the importance of Puerto Rican identity, with a growing number of artists, writers, and intellectuals promoting the island's distinct heritage and independence.

Despite these historical efforts, Puerto Rico remained an unincorporated territory of the U.S., with political status debates often overshadowed by economic challenges and social issues.

Origins of the Conflict[]

The seeds of Puerto Rican independence were sown long before 2029, but Hurricane Damian which ravaged the island in 2027, and the aftermath of the U.S. defeat in the Iranian-American War were key catalysts that pushed Puerto Ricans toward full-scale rebellion. Hurricane Damian, a Category 5 storm, devastated the island, killing thousands and displacing tens of thousands more. Critical infrastructure—power grids, roads, hospitals—was obliterated, and the island was left in ruins.

At the same time, the U.S. was reeling from its defeat in the Iranian-American War, which ended in a humiliating withdrawal and destabilized the domestic political landscape. While no formal civil war had broken out, the U.S. was in the grips of severe political violence and instability. The American government, fractured and divided, largely ignored Puerto Rico’s desperate pleas for assistance after the storm. Emergency relief was slow to arrive, and what little help came was insufficient to meet the island's massive needs. Puerto Rico’s abandonment during this crisis became the final blow in a long history of perceived neglect and exploitation by the U.S.

The hurricane exposed the reality of Puerto Rico’s colonial status, where the island was subject to U.S. authority but received none of the benefits of full representation or equal aid. This abandonment fueled growing demands for a change in Puerto Rico’s political status. In addition, thousands of Puerto Ricans died in the Iranian-American War. Puerto Ricans sought a reward for the sacrifices they made on behalf of the United States. They wanted more political rights. Statehood advocates pushed for full inclusion in the Union along with political representation, while others sought independence. The U.S. government, in its weakened state, remained indifferent to both movements, creating a sense of betrayal that galvanized many into supporting a more radical solution: complete independence.

The Ponce Massacre and the Birth of the ENPR (2029)[]

The pivotal moment came in April 2029, when the Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG), opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters in Ponce. These demonstrators had gathered to demand statehood and fair representation in Congress, but the response from the PRNG was swift and brutal. Hundreds of civilians were killed in what became known as the Ponce Massacre. The massacre shocked the island, polarizing Puerto Rican society and turning many who had previously supported statehood or neutrality against the U.S.

The Ponce Massacre of 2029 echoed the historical significance of the Ponce Massacre of 1937, linking the past and present struggles for independence. The brutality faced by Puerto Ricans at the hands of the PRNG revived memories of the 1937 massacre, reinvigorating the independence movement and uniting a generation of Puerto Ricans in their fight against U.S. oppression. The historical parallel underscored the ongoing struggle against colonial rule and ignited a fierce desire for autonomy and self-determination.

Out of this chaos, the Ejército Nacional de Puerto Rico (ENPR) was born. Initially composed of former independence activists, defectors from the PRNG, and disillusioned youth, the ENPR rapidly grew in size and strength. Led by Miguel Torres, a former PRNG officer turned guerrilla commander, and María Delgado, a renowned intellectual and the ideological heart of the movement, the ENPR became the driving force behind Puerto Rico’s fight for sovereignty.

Beginning of the War[]

Following the Ponce Massacre, Miguel Torres along with the rest of the ENPR soldiers went to Venezuela in order to receive training in asymmetric warfare from Iran and Cuba. After a few months of training, in August 2029 Miguel Torres, along with about 200 troops boarded a ship and launched an amphibious raid on a PRNG installation -- killing hundreds of PRNG soldiers and seizing thousands of weapons. This marked the official beginning of the war. The ENPR soldiers remained in hiding in the rainforests, as they went on a recruitment drive and began acquiring advanced weapons from Iran in order to prepare for a larger offensive.

Protests in support of both the ENPR and secession from the United States continued for the remainder of 2029. The Puerto Rican Independence Party won the general elections of 2029, becoming the political voice of the struggle, while the ENPR represented the military force on the ground -- putting both groups in a significant position of power and influence.

The Puerto Rican Independence Referendum (2030)[]

In light of growing discontent, pro-independence activists and political leaders organized the Puerto Rican Independence Referendum in 2029 to gauge public support for independence. Conducted in April 2030, the referendum saw a significant turnout, with 80% of voters opting for full independence from the United States while the other 20% opposed. However, the U.S. government dismissed the results, arguing that the referendum lacked legitimacy due to the ongoing unrest on the island. The US government responded by arresting pro-independence politicians and activists, with many fleeing in exile to Mexico where they set up their headquarters. The response from the US government towards the Puerto Rican independence movement served as a rallying cry for independence supporters, solidifying their resolve to take action.

Following the referendum's rejection, both the PIP-in-exile and the ENPR drafted the Puerto Rican Declaration of Independence, articulating their demands for sovereignty and self-determination. This manifesto emphasized the island's rich cultural history, its resilience in the face of colonial rule, and the moral and legal imperatives for independence, invoking international law to challenge U.S. claims of legitimacy over Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rican Declaration of Independence and Declaration of War

We, the People of Puerto Rico,

In the name of our ancestors who fought bravely for freedom and in honor of our rich and diverse heritage, we declare our independence from all forms of colonial rule and assert our right to resist the illegitimate occupation by the United States of America.

We have endured centuries of foreign domination—first under Spanish rule and now under the oppressive weight of American occupation. The American presence on our sacred island—whether economic, political, military, or otherwise—is an illegal occupation. This presence robs us of our dignity, our identity, and our right to govern ourselves. Therefore, under international law, specifically the United Nations Charter and General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), we are not only justified but compelled to rise up and resist this occupation by any means necessary.

The United Nations Charter affirms the right of all peoples to self-determination, recognizing our right to choose our own path. The U.S. occupation strips us of these rights, rendering it illegitimate. We refuse to be silenced or treated as second-class citizens on our own land. We will not stand idly by while our home is treated as a pawn in someone else's game.

We, the Ejercito Nacional de Puerto Rico (ENPR), stand as a beacon of hope in our struggle for independence. We reject the label of “terrorists” that the U.S. seeks to impose on us. Our fight is not one of hate; it is a cry for justice, a stand against an oppressor that seeks to crush our dreams and silence our voices. We are warriors for our homeland, fighting to protect our people and our rights.

Puerto Rico is a land of greatness, having given birth to exceptional talent and spirit, despite centuries of oppression: Athletes, entertainers, authors, poets, and all manners of genius and excellence have emerged from this island. From the literary brilliance of Julia de Burgos to the revolutionary fervor of Pedro Albizu Campos, from the musical genius of Héctor Lavoe to the scientific achievements of Carlos Juan Finlay, from the lightning-fast fists of Wilfred Benitez to the sheer dominance of Roberto Clemente our island has produced individuals who have enriched the world. This legacy of greatness fuels our desire for independence and our belief that we deserve to thrive as a nation.

Our culture has remained vibrant and intact, a testament to our resilience. The rhythms of our música, the flavors of our comida, and the passion of our traditions reflect a people deeply connected to their roots. Despite the efforts of colonizers to erase our identity, we have embraced our heritage, ensuring that the spirit of Borinquen endures.

We declare that:

  1. Puerto Rico is an independent nation, free from all external domination and control. We will fiercely defend our right to live as we choose, without interference.
  2. The American colonial presence on our sacred island—and all its apparatuses, whether military, political, economic, or otherwise—is illegitimate. We do not and we never will recognize it as legitimate or lawful. We will resist by any means necessary, as is our right under international law.
  3. The Ejercito Nacional de Puerto Rico (ENPR) is a legitimate force of resistance, standing firm in defense of our rights and our struggle for self-determination.
  4. We call upon the world to recognize our struggle and stand with us against the illegal occupation of our sacred homeland.
  5. We commit to a just and humane struggle, protecting innocent lives and ensuring our actions reflect the principles of justice and dignity.

In declaring our independence and our right to resist the United States, we affirm that the people of Puerto Rico deserve to be free, to thrive, and to chart our own course as a sovereign nation. Let this declaration resonate through time as a testament to our unbreakable spirit, our unwavering hope, and our fierce commitment to liberty and justice for all.

Viva Puerto Rico Libre!

The Declaration was spread all over social media, and although it was ignored by the US, it represented a significant political milestone. Puerto Rican independence was recognized by China, Cuba, Iran, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, Turkey, and Venezuela. The movement gained significant international legitimacy.

Foreign Support[]

The ENPR quickly garnered international support, particularly from Iran, which was eager to expand its influence in the Western Hemisphere following its victory over the U.S. in the Iranian-American War. Iran supplied the ENPR with missiles, rockets, and other advanced weaponry, while Cuba and Venezuela hosted training camps for ENPR fighters. Hezbollah covertly sent 8,000 troops to Puerto Rico, assisting the ENPR in its guerrilla operations against U.S. forces.

Escalation[]

In May 2030, the ENPR launched its first major offensive: the First Battle of San Juan. Using Iranian-supplied missiles, the ENPR targeted key Puerto Rico National Guard installations around the capital, quickly seizing several neighborhoods. As they advanced, the ENPR armed pro-independence mobs and led them in several days of massive riots known as "El Noches de la Machetes" that targeted anti-independence civilians, including American residents, Dominicans, Venezuelans, and Haitians who who were perceived as benefitting from U.S. rule -- hundreds of people are killed in these riots. The ENPR managed to assassinate PRNG commander Rafael Zuniga, who ordered the Ponce Massacre and was responsible for much of the harsh repression that occurred on the island. However, U.S. forces soon reinforced the PRNG, sending 15,000 troops to the island and after heavy fighting, the ENPR was forced to retreat into the Central Mountains.

The assassination of the National Guard's commander during the First Battle of San Juan shocked the U.S. and prompted an escalation in their response. The U.S. government, viewing the situation as a growing insurgency, sent additional troops to Puerto Rico in a bid to suppress the rebellion. The US and the PRNG respond with even harsher repression, committing genocidal massacres against Puerto Ricans who were suspected of supporting ENPR and independence. Pro-ENPR neighborhoods in San Juan were massacred and demolished. The First Battle of San Juan (as well as the disproportionate American response) did away with any semblance of centrism in Puerto Rican politics, and Puerto Ricans were either pro-independence or pro-US -- transforming the conflict into both a race war between the American colonizers and Puerto Ricans, and a civil war between Puerto Ricans who were pro-independence and those who weren't.

Retreat and Guerrilla Warfare: The Central Mountains Stronghold[]

After their defeat at San Juan, the ENPR retreated to and regrouped in the Central Mountains, where they established a stronghold and launched a series of guerrilla operations. The rugged terrain gave the ENPR a strategic advantage, allowing them to use their missile capabilities to strike at U.S. military installations and supply routes. The ENPR's successful missile strikes—including one targeting U.S. SOUTHCOM in Doral, Florida, which caused significant damage—bolstered their reputation and inspired supporters back home.

First Offensive: Operation Mountain Storm (2030)[]

After the ENPR’s retreat into the Central Mountains, the U.S. military and the PRNG attempted to strike quickly, believing that cutting off the guerrillas before they could entrench themselves would cripple the independence movement. Operation Mountain Storm was launched in August 2030, involving 10,000 U.S. troops supported by airstrikes and artillery. The PRNG, though diminished in size and morale, contributed an additional 3,000 troops.

The operation was a disaster for the U.S. and PRNG forces. The terrain, dense with forests and high ridges, favored the ENPR, who utilized ambush tactics, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and intimate knowledge of the region to harass and repel the offensive. ENPR missile strikes on supply lines further hampered U.S. efforts. The offensive resulted in heavy casualties, with over 2,000 U.S. troops killed or wounded. The ENPR, though outgunned, sustained only 500 casualties, further emboldening their resolve.

Second Offensive: Operation Mountain Storm II (2031)[]

The second major attempt to breach the ENPR’s mountain strongholds occurred in 2031, under Operation Mountain Storm II. Learning from previous mistakes, the U.S. deployed 20,000 troops, including special forces units specialized in counterinsurgency. The PRNG, by this point reduced to about 5,000 soldiers, played a secondary role, primarily tasked with securing lower foothills and villages.

Despite better planning and intelligence, the ENPR was deeply entrenched and had built an extensive network of bunkers, supply routes, and missile launch sites in the mountains. Hezbollah operatives, covertly assisting the ENPR, provided expertise in guerrilla warfare in mountainous terrain, further enhancing their defensive capabilities. The offensive stalled as the U.S. faced fierce resistance, and ENPR missile strikes continued to hit U.S. positions and even key installations in San Juan. After several months of fighting, the U.S. forces withdrew, having made little progress and suffering 3,500 casualties.

Final Offensive: Operation Mountain Storm III (2032)[]

Desperate to break the ENPR’s hold on the Central Mountains, the U.S. launched a final large-scale offensive in 2032—Operation Mountain Storm III. This offensive involved a combination of ground assaults, airstrikes, and naval bombardments aimed at cutting off the ENPR’s supply lines and systematically targeting their strongholds.

Despite early successes in clearing out lower mountain areas, the ENPR retaliated with long-range missile attacks on U.S. military installations across the island. Most notably, they successfully targeted both U.S. SOUTHCOM headquarters in Doral, Florida, and Key West Naval Air Station, with missile strikes, marking the height of their military capability. This action, combined with the Hezbollah forces’ covert involvement, forced the U.S. to reconsider its military strategy, and the offensive eventually stalled.

Though the U.S. and PRNG made some headway, the mountains remained largely under ENPR control. The attritional nature of the conflict, the unrelenting guerrilla and missile attacks, and the international pressure from Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba supporting the ENPR made it clear that military victory in the mountains was unattainable.

U.S. Repression[]

As the rebellion grew in strength, the U.S. government implemented a series of policies aimed at eradicating the insurgency. The most controversial of these was a strategy of forced displacement and resettlement. In what critics labeled a form of genocide, U.S. forces were accused of systematically targeting Puerto Rican civilians, bombing densely populated urban areas suspected of harboring ENPR fighters, and imposing martial law across the island.

Reports from human rights organizations alleged that hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans were killed in bombings and massacres, while many more were displaced from their homes. Entire towns were emptied as part of a deliberate U.S. strategy to destroy the social and logistical base of the insurgency.

In parallel, the U.S. government introduced aggressive resettlement policies aimed at demographically transforming Puerto Rico. American citizens were offered substantial incentives to relocate to Puerto Rico, including:

  • Universal Basic Income (UBI): Americans moving to Puerto Rico were promised a UBI, ensuring financial stability and a guaranteed income.
  • Subsidized Housing: New developments, often built in place of destroyed Puerto Rican neighborhoods, offered heavily subsidized housing to mainland Americans.

These policies were intended to “Americanize” the island and weaken Puerto Rican identity by shifting the demographic balance in favor of U.S. settlers. Critics condemned this as a form of cultural genocide, meant to crush any future attempts at rebellion.

Sexual Violence[]

Human rights organizations documented incidents of sexual violence committed by U.S. soldiers against Puerto Rican women. These acts were often used as tools of war to terrorize and demoralize the local population, contributing to a sense of helplessness and despair among those who resisted. The ENPR responded by vowing to protect and empower women, further solidifying their commitment to social justice within the movement.

Destruction of Cultural Sites[]

In addition to physical violence, U.S. forces targeted cultural and historical sites, viewing them as symbols of resistance. The destruction of schools, libraries, and community centers aimed to erase Puerto Rican identity and culture, a strategy that resonated deeply with the local population and increased support for the ENPR.

Psychological Warfare[]

The U.S. military employed psychological warfare tactics to demoralize the population. This included propaganda campaigns that painted the ENPR as terrorists, attempting to turn public sentiment against the guerrillas. However, these efforts often backfired, as the suffering inflicted upon Puerto Ricans only fueled their resolve to support the independence movement.

International Reaction[]

The international community responded with outrage to the U.S.’s handling of the Puerto Rican War of Independence. The United Nations condemned the allegations of genocide and called for investigations into potential war crimes. Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, criticized the U.S. for its indiscriminate bombings and resettlement policies, accusing the government of violating international law.

In Latin America, the war spurred a wave of anti-U.S. sentiment. Countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Mexico expressed solidarity with the ENPR, providing diplomatic support and, in some cases, covertly supplying humanitarian aid to Puerto Rican refugees.

Iran, having publicly sided with the ENPR, seized the opportunity to increase its influence in Latin America, further destabilizing U.S. interests in the region. Iran vowed to create "the Hezbollah of the Western Hemisphere" out of ENPR, and to this end Iran supplied ENPR with sophisticated missiles and artillery -- as well as training in hybrid warfare in Venezuela.

ENPR Presence on the Mainland: The August 23rd Alliance[]

During the conflict, the ENPR also established a presence on the U.S. mainland, aligning itself with the August 23rd Alliance, a coalition of anti-imperialist groups and movements advocating for social justice and the end of U.S. interventionism. This alliance allowed the ENPR to engage in propaganda efforts, recruit supporters, and coordinate actions against U.S. interests on the mainland.

Key Events and Battles[]

The war saw several key events and battles that shaped its trajectory:

2029: Beginning of Conflict:[]

  • April 2029: Ponce Massacre takes place.
  • August 2029: Miguel Torres, along with about 200 troops boarded a ship and launched an amphibious raid on a PRNG installation -- killing hundreds of PRNG soldiers and seizing thousands of weapons. This marked the official beginning of the war. The ENPR soldiers remained in hiding in the rainforests, as they went on a recruitment drive and began acquiring advanced weapons from Iran in order to prepare for a larger offensive.

2030: The Referendum and First Battle of San Juan[]

  • April 2030: Puerto Rico holds an independence referendum, with 80% voting in favor and 20% rejecting independence. The U.S. government declares the referendum unconstitutional and invalid.
  • May 2030: The ENPR launches the First Battle of San Juan, capturing parts of the capital. U.S. forces counterattack, forcing ENPR fighters to retreat into the Central Mountains, where they establish a fortified stronghold.
    • During the First Battle of San Juan, a series of violent riots and massacres break out, as pro-independence mobs take to the streets. These mobs, armed by the ENPR, violently purge neighborhoods of pro-U.S. civilians, immigrants, and those perceived as collaborators. The mob also targets PRNG soldiers and their families. The violence during this period is known as "Las Noches de los Machetes" (The Nights of the Machetes), a reference to the machetes wielded by independence sympathizers in the brutal attacks on civilians. This massacre becomes a symbol of the deep division on the island.
    • These events escalate the war significantly, and the US sends more troops to the island, resulting in brutal repression as the ENPR retreats to the Central Mountains and reprisal attacks occur against pro-ENPR civilians. The US Air Force launches indiscriminate air strikes on neighborhoods in San Juan suspected of supporting the ENPR, killing thousands of civilians and causing international outrage.

2030–2032: Guerilla Warfare and Key Engagements[]

  • The ENPR wages a guerilla campaign from the Central Mountains, targeting U.S. forces and Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG) installations. It also uses missiles acquired from Iran to strike both American and PRNG positions all throughout the island. The US and the PRNG make several attempts to invade the mountains and drive out the ENPR, but the rugged terrain along with the vicious guerrilla tactics of the ENPR, force the US to retreat each time.
  • The US responds to this campaign with more repression, committing massacres against civilians perceived as supporting the ENPR. This only serves to turn the majority of the Puerto Rican population against the US and the PRNG.
  • In 2031, the ENPR also begins launching piracy operations in the waters surrounding Puerto Rico, taking warships, merchant vessels, and yachts for ransom, and also for their own use.
  • November 2031: The ENPR mounts a second offensive on San Juan. U.S. forces manage to repel the assault after intense urban fighting. The ENPR sustains significant losses but gains control of surrounding rural areas.
  • The Siege of Bayamón and Guaynabo (February-September 2032): The U.S. and the PRNG lay siege to Bayamón, a known ENPR stronghold right outside of San Juan. The ENPR, with covert support from Hezbollah, along with the strategic use of missiles, launches a counteroffensive into the nearby city of Guaynabo, forcing U.S. troops to divert their forces. In Guaynabo, U.S. troops suffer heavy casualties and are ultimately forced to withdraw from both cities, marking a significant turning point despite heavy ENPR losses. Both Bayamon and Guaynabo become strategic strongholds for the ENPR, allowing the ENPR to fire missiles more easily.

2032: Escalation of Missle Strikes[]

  • October-December 2032: The ENPR escalates its missile attacks, targeting U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida. It also fires missiles at Key West NAS -- these attacks demonstrate the ENPR's advanced missile capabilities.

2033: The Third Battle of San Juan[]

  • May 2033: After a brief calming of hostilities, the ENPR -- with the support of both Hezbollah and the IRGC -- launches its largest offensive yet, with coordinated attacks on U.S. installations. Using their central mountain stronghold as a base, they bombard San Juan with missiles, launching limited hit-and-run raids in order to destroy infrastructure and ambush isolated American and remaining PRNG divisions, before completely overrunning the city.
  • June 2033: The U.S. begins withdrawing troops after the ENPR captures critical infrastructure, unable to maintain control amid mounting casualties.

2033–2034: The Golden Eagles Campaign and Final Withdrawal[]

  • August-November 2033: The U.S. deploys the Golden Eagles to stabilize Puerto Rico and crush the ENPR. The ENPR retaliates with a series of ambushes and massacres targeting Golden Eagle camps, forcing the Golden Eagles to flee.
  • March 2034: After unsustainable losses and facing mounting international pressure, the U.S. fully withdraws.
  • September 2034: Treaty of Singapore. Puerto Rican independence is formally recognized, officially ending the war.

Human Cost and Casualties[]

The human cost of the war was staggering, with total casualties estimated at 500,000. This figure includes approximately 400,000 civilian casualties—a mix of victims of U.S. military operations and war crimes, violence against perceived collaborators, and the effects of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war.

  • The war displaced millions of Puerto Ricans, creating a massive refugee crisis as people fled violence and destruction.
  • The U.S. government established concentration camps for residents of destroyed villages, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

U.S. military and PRNG forces sustained around 100,000 casualties, including 50,000 killed in action, while the ENPR lost approximately 150,000 fighters in combat. The brutality of the conflict led to widespread condemnation and protests against U.S. actions on the international stage.

Conclusion: The Road to Independence[]

Major hostilities began to wind down by 2034, as the ENPR maintained control over significant portions of the island, and U.S. forces struggled to maintain order. In 2034, as part of the Treaty of Singapore following the end of the Second American Civil War, the U.S. officially recognized Puerto Rico's independence, marking a historic victory for the independence movement. The struggle for self-determination had taken a heavy toll, leaving scars that would take generations to heal. The Puerto Rican War of Independence remains a powerful testament to the island's enduring fight for autonomy and its struggle against colonial oppression.

After the war, Puerto Rico signed a defense treaty with Iran, symbolizing a new alliance that would influence the island’s future. Many Puerto Ricans even converted to Shia Islam in gratitude for Iranian support, reflecting the deep ties forged during the conflict. Monuments, including a replica Iranian Scud missile, now stand in San Juan, commemorating Iran’s role in their liberation. Streets across the island are named after Iranian leaders, illustrating the profound impact of foreign support in Puerto Rico’s quest for independence.