Venezuela's Military Exercises Amid U.S. Naval Presence
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Venezuela has launched a significant military exercise involving approximately 200,000 personnel, amid increasing U.S. naval presence in the region. This move comes as the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, into the Southern Command area, which encompasses the Caribbean.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced the exercise on state television, stating that it includes the deployment of land, air, and sea assets. He condemned U.S. military operations in the Caribbean targeting alleged drug trafficking boats, which he claims have resulted in civilian casualties.
Padrino accused the U.S. of executing defenseless individuals without due process, referring to the deaths of at least 76 people in recent U.S. strikes. The U.S. military has been active in the region since September, claiming these operations are part of an anti-drug offensive, despite criticisms regarding their legality and efficacy.
The USS Gerald Ford, the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, is equipped with multiple squadrons including F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35 stealth warplanes, which have also been deployed to Puerto Rico.
Observers believe that the heightened U.S. military pressure is aimed at destabilizing President Nicolas Maduro's government, with some opposition figures asserting that Maduro's regime is nearing its end.
Maduro has vehemently rejected accusations of collaborating with drug trafficking gangs, a narrative pushed by former President Trump, who has suggested that Maduro's days in office are limited. Defense Minister Padrino warned that any foreign military attack would meet a united defense from Venezuelans, signaling a strong nationalistic response.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has also expressed concerns over U.S. military actions, halting intelligence sharing with the U.S. until these attacks on boats cease, emphasizing that the fight against drugs must respect human rights.
This series of events illustrates rising tensions in the Caribbean and reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.