Venezuela Launches Military Drills Amid Tensions with US
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The Venezuelan military has begun three days of military exercises on its Caribbean island of La Orchila as tensions soar amid a recent US military operation in the region.
The drills, which started on Wednesday, involve both conventional and electronic warfare units, according to Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. "We are not just talking about military exercises; we are also conducting electronic warfare operations," he said at a meeting with the military high command in Caracas.
The US operation, which took place earlier this month, involved naval forces blowing up two Venezuelan boats and detaining 14 people allegedly transporting drugs across the Caribbean. The move was criticized by UN experts as excessive force.
"This is not just about fighting against drug trafficking; it's also about demonstrating our military capabilities," Padrino López said, citing a threatening and vulgar voice from Washington that he claimed was an attempt to intimidate Venezuela.
The US operation was part of a broader effort to combat narcotics smuggling in the region. However, Venezuelan officials have accused the US of overstepping its authority and violating international law.
"The US is trying to impose its own rules on our territory," said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a statement earlier this week. "We will not tolerate any aggression or interference in our internal affairs."
The recent tensions between Venezuela and the US are part of a long-standing dispute over issues such as democracy, human rights, and economic sanctions.
Venezuela has been under international pressure due to its authoritarian government and alleged human rights abuses. The country's economy is also struggling, with widespread shortages of food and medicine.
The US has imposed strict economic sanctions on Venezuela in an effort to force Maduro's government to reform. However, the Venezuelan president has refused to step down, citing a constitutional mandate.
As tensions between Venezuela and the US continue to escalate, regional experts are warning of a potential destabilization of the entire region.
"The situation is extremely volatile," said Maria Rodriguez, a Latin American analyst at the Brookings Institution in Washington. "Both countries need to take steps to de-escalate the situation before it's too late."
The current military drills in Venezuela are expected to continue until Saturday, with no indication yet on whether they will be followed by further action.
By AP Staff
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*Reporting by Theguardian.*
