Venezuela launches 'Caribe Soberano 200' drills amid US threats
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Venezuela begins the Caribe Soberano 200 drills on La Orchila Island, deploying 2,500 troops and warships amid rising tensions with the US.
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A serviceman of Venezuela's army on an armoured personnel carrier BTR-82A takes part in the 2022 International Army Games in Russia's Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, Russia, Wednesday, August 24, 2022. (AP)
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced on Wednesday the start of the “Caribe Soberano 200” field exercise, a three-day strategic drill taking place on La Orchila Island amid what he described as “growing threats from the United States.”
Speaking from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces’ command center, Padrino said the maneuvers involve more than 2,500 troops deployed at the Antonio Díaz naval base, supported by 12 warships, 22 aircraft, 20 patrol boats, and field artillery.
“These exercises will test our readiness in the face of conflict scenarios and strengthen the unity of our people, the armed forces, and the political leadership,” the minister said.
Air, sea, and land components
The training program includes the use of armed drones, reconnaissance aircraft, submarines, and surveillance aircraft, as well as air, naval, and ground infiltration missions carried out by special forces.
Operations also feature electronic warfare, such as communications interception and jamming, alongside coastal live fire, amphibious landings, air-defense maneuvers, paratrooper jumps, and tactical air support.
One of the exercises' main aspects is the integration of the Bolivarian Militia and National Police into military plans. According to Padrino, militia units are operating armored vehicles and coordinating electronic systems, while police forces are supporting reconnaissance tasks.
Authorities said the drills form part of the government’s “armed and prepared people” strategy, designed to turn civilians into a defensive force. They stressed that, while Venezuela seeks peace, "the exercises send a clear message: the country is ready to defend its sovereignty against any external threat."
US hiking Caribbean tensions
The move comes against the backdrop of a US military build-up in the Caribbean and Latin America, carried out under the pretext of President Donald Trump’s campaign against drug cartels.
According to CNN, Trump is considering a range of options targeting drug cartels in Venezuela, including possible strikes inside Venezuelan territory as part of a broader strategy to weaken Maduro’s government.
Moreover, this comes after US President Donald Trump alleged on Monday that US forces had targeted another Venezuelan vessel, killing three people he described as "terrorists transporting narcotics". The operation, he claimed, expanded his administration’s campaign against drug cartels and broadened the scope of military force used to stop them.
Maduro warns of threats, urges 'battle for truth' to defend Venezuela
Maduro had earlier warned that his country is waging a “great battle for the truth” to preserve peace, accusing foreign powers of escalating military and political pressure against his government.
At a press conference with international media on Monday, Maduro said Venezuela had recently been threatened by “the presence of missile boats and a nuclear submarine,” adding that he and senior officials, including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, had received personal threats.
He cited an incident involving the USS Jason Dunham, which he said “illegally confronted” a Venezuelan fishing vessel in national waters, calling it a deliberate attempt to “undermine Venezuelan sovereignty.”
“This aggression has a judicial, political, and military nature, which justifies the legitimate defense of the country,” Maduro said. “Our response has been to empower the people of Venezuela, train them, and defend our truth.”
