Venezuelan Armed Forces Launch Military Exercises in the Caribbean Sea

DID Press: Venezuela’s Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, announced that the country’s armed forces have begun a three-day military exercise named “Caribbean Sovereignty 200” near La Orchila Island in Venezuelan territorial waters.

According to state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión, Padrino López said: “By order of President Nicolás Maduro, I issue the command to commence the Caribbean Sovereignty exercise, which will strengthen our defensive capabilities.”

The minister noted that the three-day drills will involve all branches of the Venezuelan military, including air and space forces, special operations, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, naval, airborne, ground, and air defense units.

The exercises come amid the simultaneous deployment of the U.S. Navy in the Caribbean Sea.

President Maduro has stated that Venezuela faces the greatest threat of a potential U.S. attack in the past 100 years.

Reuters previously reported that three U.S. guided-missile destroyers — USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson — have been dispatched near Venezuelan waters, a move described by Washington as part of its efforts to combat drug cartel threats in Latin America.