Venezuela launches military exercise as US escalates tensions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 08:14

Caracas has condemned US F-35 flights near its coast and warned it will defend national sovereignty.

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Members of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces during military exercises in La Guaira, Venezuela, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 (AP)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and the Bolivarian Militia will conduct an organizational military drill on Saturday, aimed at strengthening territorial defense and reinforcing the country’s sovereignty.

Following a meeting with the Superior General Staff, Maduro said the exercise would serve as a “check-up” of defense structures, stressing that it would not involve weapons deployment but would instead test command, leadership, and communication mechanisms.

The operation will mobilize FANB’s national and regional commands, 335 Integral Defense Areas, more than 5,300 Militia Community Units, and over 15,000 Popular Defense Bases.

Maduro framed the drill as part of Venezuela’s effort to consolidate what he described as “military people’s power,” declaring, “Because Venezuela is respected.”

Response to alleged US airspace violation

The exercise announcement follows fresh tensions after Caracas accused the United States of illegally flying fighter aircraft close to Venezuelan territory. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said more than five US jets, traveling at 400 knots and an altitude of 35,000 feet, were detected just 75 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast near Maiquetía.

Calling the move a deliberate provocation, Padrino warned Washington, “Do not make the mistake of militarily attacking Venezuela. Think carefully, do your research, and understand our national spirit.”

The Maduro government denounced the incident as intimidation and vowed to raise the matter before the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

Caracas condemns ‘provocation’ with F-35 fighters

In what it described as a “dramatic escalation", Venezuela said the aircraft were advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. Padrino characterized their deployment as “a great threat” and accused Washington of seeking to destabilize Latin America.

“These actions do not intimidate us; they do not intimidate the people of Venezuela,” Padrino said, noting that FANB remains on permanent alert with its Integrated Aerospace Defense System.

In a similar vein, the Venezuelan government issued a formal statement on Thursday condemning what it called the “reckless and adventurous stance” of US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth.

Caracas accused Washington of undermining the CELAC-recognized “zone of peace” in Latin America and warned that such military activity endangered regional stability and violated international law.

The statement reiterated that Venezuela will “fully exercise its right to defend national sovereignty,” underscoring its readiness to bring the issue before global and regional institutions.

In addition to the aerial incursions, Venezuelan authorities also reported the presence of US warships in the Caribbean Sea. Padrino claimed the maneuvers aimed to “impose force, coercion, and extortion through military threats,” further escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington.

Despite the buildup, Venezuelan officials emphasized their commitment to international principles of sovereignty and peace, while warning they would resist any attempt to violate the nation’s airspace or maritime boundaries.