After US actions: Venezuela's armed forces want to demonstrate strength

Against the backdrop of growing tensions with the United States, Venezuela has begun large-scale military exercises in the Caribbean . The exercises are intended to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and demonstrate its sovereignty, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López explained on the state television channel Telesur.

According to him, more than 2,500 soldiers are deployed on the island of La Orchila, approximately 180 kilometers off the coast of the South American country. They are supported by twelve warships, 22 aircraft, 20 boats of the state-organized militia, and artillery. In addition to reservists, the militia also includes numerous members of the ruling Socialist Party, employees of state-owned companies, and retirees.

For three days, landing maneuvers, air defense, drone operations, electronic warfare, and special forces operations would be practiced, said Padrino López. He also emphasized the integration of the militia and police into the concept of an "armed and prepared people."

The military exercises and the minister's words are intended as a deliberate signal to the United States. US President Donald Trump has accused the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of tolerating the activities of criminal groups with ties to the United States, thus necessitating intervention. Trump cited the Tren de Aragua gang, which his administration has classified as a foreign terrorist organization, as an example.

Maduro recently accused the US of exacerbating the situation by deploying several warships off the Venezuelan coast. He described the American military presence in the Caribbean as the "greatest threat" in a century.

Earlier this week, Trump announced that US forces had again attacked a ship allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing three people. The US has taken out three such ships in total. The US military had previously claimed to have killed eleven people in similar operations.

Several UN human rights experts condemned the deadly attacks as violations of international law and the international law of the sea.