Venezuela began three days of large-scale military exercises in the Caribbean in response to recent U.S. attacks on boats Washington claims were smuggling drugs.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the operation, called Sovereign Caribbean, includes air-defense deployments, armed drones, and “electronic warfare actions” to counter what he described as the “threatening, vulgar voice” of the United States.
Show of Force on La Orchila Island
The Venezuelan defense ministry said 12 ships, 22 aircraft, and 20 small militia boats are participating in the drills around La Orchila, home to a key military base.
U.S. Strikes on Suspected Traffickers
President Donald Trump announced a second “kinetic” strike on a vessel he claimed was carrying narcotics to the United States. He said three suspected “terrorists” were killed, but offered no evidence the boat held drugs. A similar attack earlier this month targeted a vessel allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has designated a terrorist group.
Rising Threats and Warnings
Trump has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “narcoterrorist” and placed a $50 million bounty on his arrest. He has not ruled out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland. U.S. naval forces have recently increased their presence in the southern Caribbean.
Maduro’s Response
Maduro accused Washington of mounting “criminal” aggression—political, diplomatic, judicial, and military. He warned he would “respond in kind” to any attack and could declare a “republic in arms.” Caracas also alleged that a U.S. destroyer intercepted and occupied a Venezuelan tuna boat for eight hours in its economic zone.
Background to Escalating Tensions
The Trump administration has long blamed Venezuela for funneling narcotics, including fentanyl, into the United States, a charge Caracas denies. Both governments now face a standoff marked by naval maneuvers, mutual threats, and warnings of further escalation.
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