Venezuela has begun a three-day military exercise on La Orchila island, named “Sovereign Caribbean,” amid heightened tensions with the United States. President Nicolás Maduro announced the drills would include air defence systems, armed and surveillance drones, submarine drones, and electronic warfare measures, according to Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López.
The exercises involve 12 ships, 22 aircraft, and 20 small boats from Venezuela’s naval militia, with public television showing amphibious vessels and warships off La Orchila. The move follows US military operations in the region, including strikes on vessels alleged to be transporting drugs, which UN experts described as potential “extrajudicial executions.”
Maduro criticised US actions as aggressive and reiterated Caracas’ commitment to national defence. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello highlighted Venezuela’s domestic anti-narcotics efforts, claiming over 60 tonnes of drugs seized this year, amid ongoing US sanctions and a $50 million bounty on Maduro for drug trafficking charges.
Source: Al Jazeera
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