Venezuela stages massive Caribbean war drills

Venezuelan authorities launched a three‑day military exercise on the Caribbean island of La Orchila, branding the operation “Caribe Soberano 200.” Thousands of soldiers, supported by warships, aircraft, militia boats and artillery, took part in live‑fire drills that included nighttime launches of Igla‑S surface‑to‑air missiles, heavy artillery barrages, Sukhoi‑30 fighter flyovers, helicopter sorties and amphibious tank landings on the beach. Video released by the state communications ministry showed the coordinated display of firepower, emphasizing the nation’s defensive readiness.

The drills are presented as a direct response to what Caracas describes as escalating U.S. military activity in the region. Venezuelan officials cite recent U.S. actions—including the destruction of at least two Venezuelan vessels alleged to be drug‑trafficking boats, which killed 14 people—as provocations that threaten national sovereignty. Earlier in the month, U.S. forces moved stealth fighters and destroyers into the Caribbean for counter‑narcotics missions, a deployment that Maduro’s government condemned as aggression.

President Nicolás Maduro delivered a televised address urging citizens to back the exercises, framing them as a patriotic effort to protect Venezuela “at any cost” and accusing Washington of using drug‑trafficking accusations to justify interference. The drills involve both the Bolivarian Armed Forces and civilian militia units, with reports of weapons training, small‑arms practice and artillery drills across multiple regions. While the full extent of live‑fire operations remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses noted visible artillery and small‑arms activity.

The exercise occurs amid heightened diplomatic tension. The United States has imposed new sanctions on Venezuela this year, and relations have deteriorated further after the alleged boat incidents. Opposition groups inside Venezuela argue the military buildup distracts from a deepening economic crisis and widespread shortages, suggesting the drills also serve to consolidate political control by rallying nationalist sentiment.

Regional observers warn that miscalculations could lead to escalation, urging both Caracas and Washington to de-escalate. Neighboring countries have called for restraint and dialogue to avoid confrontation. For now, the Venezuelan leadership says the drills will continue nationwide in the coming days, positioning them as a signal of strength and a warning against any external attempts to undermine the country’s sovereignty.