Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has overseen joint military and police exercises as tensions escalate with the United States. The drills took place across the country, involving both military personnel, law enforcement, and civilian participants.
Maduro stated the exercises were a response to perceived threats against Venezuela, which he dismissed as lacking credibility both domestically and internationally. He emphasized the nation’s readiness to defend itself against any potential aggression.
During a ceremony commemorating the 105th anniversary of the Bolivarian Military Aviation in Caracas, Maduro instructed the Air Force to maintain heightened vigilance and preparedness to counter any possible attack.
He asserted that Venezuela has faced various threats for approximately 17 weeks, but that the Venezuelan people, inspired by Simon Bolivar, are prepared to defend their homeland, territory, seas, skies, and history.
Meanwhile, in Washington, former US President Donald Trump held a video conference with members of the US military. He claimed a significant reduction in drug trafficking via sea routes, stating that his administration had almost completely halted the flow of drugs into the United States by sea.
Trump further indicated an impending shift in strategy, stating that the US would soon begin intercepting drug smugglers via land routes as well. He issued a warning to those involved in sending drugs into the country.
Tensions between the US and Venezuela have heightened recently, with Trump issuing an executive order in August authorizing increased military involvement in combating drug cartels in Latin America. US forces have reportedly conducted numerous strikes targeting boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
