Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the start of the "Caribbean Sovereignty" exercises on 17/9, stating, "We will deploy air defense forces, armed and reconnaissance UAVs, unmanned submarines, and conduct electronic warfare operations".
The three-day drills are taking place on La Orchila Island under the direct command of President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan military has mobilized 12 ships, 22 aircraft, and 20 smaller boats belonging to the "Special Maritime People's Militia" for the event.
Video released by the Venezuelan military shows the T-61 amphibious transport dock deploying to the base on La Orchila, along with marines, light tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other vehicles.
La Orchila is located in the Caribbean Sea, near where the US destroyer USS Jason Dunham stopped and searched a Venezuelan fishing vessel on 13/9.
Earlier in September, the US military twice destroyed vessels described as "drug boats" from Venezuela in the Caribbean. Senator Marco Rubio warned that US forces would continue to destroy suspected drug-running vessels rather than intercepting them, calling it a "more effective deterrent".
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Location of Venezuela's La Orchila Island. Graphics: Global Security |
Caracas has condemned Washington's actions in the region as "extrajudicial executions." Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello insisted Venezuela is actively combating drug trafficking, with over 60 tons of drugs seized since the beginning of the year.
The US has deployed 8 warships and 4,500 marines to the southern Caribbean to combat drug cartels. This is one of the largest US military deployments to the Caribbean in years.
President Maduro described the US military buildup in the Caribbean as the "greatest threat" to Venezuela in 100 years. He declared the country ready for "armed struggle to defend national territory" and ordered the mobilization of regular troops and reservists.
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Minister Lopez (center) speaking in Caracas on 27/8. Photo: AFP |
Thanh Danh (According to AFP, Guardian)
