The regime of Nicolás Maduro began the deployment of more than 2,500 troops on the island of La Orchila in the Caribbean, as part of military maneuvers that, according to the government, aim to respond to the "threat" from the United States.
The Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, detailed that the exercises include the use of armed drones, submarines, and surveillance systems, as well as actions related to “electronic warfare.”
The operation, named Caribe Soberano 200, will last for three days and includes the participation of 12 ships, 22 aircraft and units of the so-called "special naval militia."
Submarine drones and surveillance drones will also be used, along with electronic warfare actions such as communication jamming and neutralization.
Padrino stated that the objective is to “increase operational readiness” in anticipation of a potential armed conflict scenario in the Caribbean Sea. The plan includes land and sea patrols in coordination with fishermen, as well as the collection and analysis of military intelligence.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions, following Washington's report on the neutralization of three drug vessels originating from Venezuela and the incident in which a U.S. destroyer intercepted a Venezuelan fishing boat in the exclusive economic zone of the South American country.
Caracas reported the incident to the FAO and described the operation as a "serious violation of national sovereignty."
Washington has deployed warships in the region, arguing that it is strengthening the fight against drug trafficking.
The island La Orchila, under military jurisdiction and located about 160 kilometers from Caracas, has been used in the past for strategic exercises and is also considered a sensitive enclave due to its proximity to international maritime routes.
Although the Maduro regime insists that it is a defensive maneuver, analysts warn that military tension in the Caribbean could rise amid Washington's accusations regarding the alleged connection between Nicolás Maduro's regime and drug trafficking.
The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns and offers a reward of 50 million dollars for information leading to his capture, an accusation that the Venezuelan government rejects.
On Monday, Maduro warned that communications with Washington are "broken" and assured that Venezuela is "more prepared" for a possible scenario of "armed struggle."
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