Venezuela has commenced the three-day “Caribe Soberano 200” field exercise, a large-scale strategic military drill aimed at safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty against growing threats from the United States.

Announcing the maneuvers from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces’ command center, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López emphasized that the exercises showcase the country’s readiness and the unity of its people, armed forces, and political leadership.

The drills involve more than 2,500 troops stationed at the Antonio Díaz naval base, supported by 12 warships, 22 aircraft, 20 patrol boats, and field artillery. They include air, sea, and land operations such as paratrooper jumps, amphibious landings, coastal live-fire exercises, reconnaissance missions, and tactical air support. Special forces are also conducting electronic warfare, including communications interception and jamming, alongside drone and submarine operations.

A key component of the exercises is the integration of the Bolivarian Militia and National Police into defensive operations. Militia units operate armored vehicles and coordinate electronic systems, while police forces assist with reconnaissance tasks. Authorities stressed that the exercises form part of the government’s “armed and prepared people” strategy, empowering civilians as a defensive force.

“These maneuvers send a clear message: Venezuela is ready to defend its sovereignty against any external threat,” Padrino stated. “While we seek peace, we will never bow to foreign aggression.”

The exercises come amid an intensifying U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean and Latin America, justified by the Trump administration as a campaign against drug cartels. Reports indicate that U.S. forces are planning potential strikes inside Venezuelan territory, under the pretext of targeting criminal organizations. Recently, President Trump claimed that U.S. forces killed three Venezuelans aboard a vessel allegedly transporting narcotics—a claim widely criticized as a pretext for military intimidation.

President Nicolás Maduro condemned the escalating threats, noting the presence of missile boats and a nuclear submarine in Venezuelan waters, and describing U.S. actions as deliberate attempts to undermine the nation’s sovereignty. “This aggression has a judicial, political, and military nature, which justifies Venezuela’s legitimate defense,” Maduro said. “We respond by empowering our people, training our forces, and defending our truth.”

The “Caribe Soberano 200” exercises reflect Venezuela’s determination to resist foreign interference while strengthening national defense. Experts say the maneuvers demonstrate the country’s strategic readiness and send a clear signal to external actors attempting to destabilize the Bolivarian Republic. (ILKHA)