Venezuela conducted extensive military exercises along its coastline over the weekend, a response to the recent deployment of U.S. naval vessels in the Caribbean. This increase in military activity has heightened fears of a potential invasion, with the U.S. maintaining that its ships are in the region to combat drug trafficking.
The situation escalated when Washington confirmed it had targeted at least three boats allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela, leading to the deaths of 14 individuals. In light of these developments, the Venezuelan government has condemned the U.S. presence as a “military threat” to its sovereignty.
The military drills took place primarily in the northwest state of Falcon and the northeast state of Sucre, strategically timed to coincide with a nationwide government-ordered exercise aimed at preparing for natural disasters. State-run broadcaster VTV showcased footage of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) mobilizing military equipment near Cape San Roman, a coastal region located approximately 27 kilometers south of Aruba.
In a display of military capability, the exercises featured artillery fire directed into the sea, the deployment of amphibious vehicles from a naval vessel to land, and transportation of Russian-made Pechora anti-aircraft missiles via truck. In a separate operation, the military simulated the occupation of Patos Island, an uninhabited landmass situated near the border with Trinidad and Tobago, utilizing helicopters and paratroopers.
The FANB also conducted a significant anti-narcotics operation in Sucre involving over 5,200 troops. This initiative resulted in 30 arrests and the seizure of ten boats believed to be involved in drug trafficking, according to reports from General Domingo Hernandez Larez.
In addition to the military focused events, Saturday was marked by emergency preparedness drills across Venezuela. These included an earthquake exercise that served as a timely reminder of the two recent earthquakes the country experienced, both exceeding a magnitude of 6.0.
