The government of Nicolás Maduro deployed military units this Wednesday in La Guaira and Carabobo, in response to the naval operations that The United States maintains in the Caribbean Sea.
Maduro said that the operation, called “Independence Exercise 200,” seeks to strengthen national defense against what he considers a “threat” of external aggression.
“The Independence 200 exercise began, with comprehensive activation of all defense and permanent offensive plans in the La Guaira comprehensive defense zone and in the Carabobo comprehensive defense zone,” he indicated via Telegram.
The Armed Forces were deployed at the Maiquetía International Airport, ports, customs and military units, reported the Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello, that accompanied the operations.
The Executive activated a surveillance system in La Guaira with drones and observation networks, in which members of the Bolivarian Militiamade up of civilians integrated into the structure of the Armed Forces.
In Valencia, capital of Carabobo, the military carried out territorial control maneuvers and exercises on Universidad Avenue and in the Paramacay military fort, as part of preparations for possible “invasion” scenarios.
Tension between the US and Venezuela due to military operations
The new deployment occurs while tension with the United States increases, after President Donald Trump ordered more than a month ago the sending eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine to the Caribbeanunder the argument of combating drug trafficking.
Since then, the White House has reported the deaths of at least 21 suspected drug traffickers in four attacks on vessels in international waters. These actions have been rejected by the Venezuelan government, which describes them as part of a “strategy to force a regime change.”
Matureeither It is considering declaring a state of external commotion, an exceptional measure that would grant it special powers and allow the temporary restriction of certain constitutional rights.
