Venezuela Conducts Large-Scale Military Exercises Amid U.S. Naval Deployment
Venezuela has initiated extensive military exercises involving 200,000 troops in response to the U.S. deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Caribbean.
Venezuela has commenced extensive military exercises across the nation, mobilizing approximately 200,000 troops, in reaction to the increased presence of U.S. military forces in the region. The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense announced that the exercises encompass land, air, and sea operations. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino stated on state television that the maneuvers involve 200,000 troops.
This development coincides with the U.S. Department of Defense's confirmation that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has entered the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean. The deployment is part of a broader U.S. military buildup aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted multiple strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific waters, resulting in numerous fatalities. The Trump administration asserts that these operations are part of an anti-drug offensive targeting narcoterrorism.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has alleged that the U.S. military buildup is intended to remove him from power. In response, Venezuela is preparing guerrilla-style resistance using older Russian-made weapons in case of a U.S. attack. The U.S. has also increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million, accusing him of drug trafficking—charges he denies.
The situation has drawn international attention, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressing concern over U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, stating they violate international law. Speaking at the Group of Seven foreign ministers' summit in Canada, Barrot highlighted France's vested interest in the region, as it has overseas territories in the Caribbean with over a million French citizens. He warned that these operations risk escalating instability, which could affect French citizens.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also criticized the U.S. actions, ordering his country to stop sharing intelligence with the U.S. He stated that the directive would "remain in force as long as the missile attacks on boats in the Caribbean continue." Petro emphasized that "the fight against drugs must be subordinated to the human rights of the Caribbean people."
The escalating military activities in the Caribbean have raised concerns about potential conflicts and the stability of the region.
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