Venezuela will launch a large-scale, three-day military exercise near La Orchila island, involving thousands of troops, naval vessels, aircraft, and drones, amid heightened tensions with the United States over a recent maritime incident.
Speaking from the Military and Defense Operations Center in Caracas, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced on Wednesday that the country will hold a three-day military exercise near La Orchila island in its territorial waters. He said the maneuvers were aimed at demonstrating sovereignty over the island territory, which spans about 43 square kilometers.
Speaking on state television VTV, Lopez said the “Sovereign Caribbean 200” drill, ordered by President Nicolas Maduro, will involve more than 2,500 troops, 12 Bolivarian Navy vessels, 22 aircraft, special forces, intelligence units, a submarine, and drones.
"Today our commander-in-chief has ordered us an exercise, a campaign maneuver, it is called that, campaign maneuver ‘Caribe Soberano 200,’ and it is going to be carried out on La Orchila Island," he said.
Lopez added that “military measures will be doubled” in the Caribbean Sea to prepare for a potential armed conflict. Highlighting tensions with the United States in the region, he said, “At this particular time, we must redouble our efforts, increase our operational readiness, and be prepared for a scenario of armed conflict at sea. And that is exactly what we are doing.”
Venezuelan Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello also addressed the issue at a press conference in Caracas, criticising the U.S.
Cabello responded to President Donald Trump’s announcement that American forces had shot down a drug-laden boat leaving Venezuela in international waters, calling it an “illegal” and “hostile” intervention. He said the matter would be raised with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Cabello accused Washington of carrying out “disproportionate” attacks that violated Venezuela’s sovereignty, questioning the U.S. claims about the boats and the drugs they allegedly carried, including fentanyl.
Trump had previously reported that three people aboard a drug-laden vessel leaving Venezuela were killed in international waters.
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