US Military Exercise Conducted in Caracas Following Diplomatic Developments

US Military Conducts Exercise in Venezuela

The United States military conducted a rapid response exercise in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday. The exercise involved Marines and military aircraft, occurring over four months after the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro from office.

Two MV-22B Osprey aircraft from the Marine Corps, known for their dual capabilities as helicopters and fixed-wing planes, were part of the operation. These aircraft flew over the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas and landed in the parking lot, their downdraft affecting nearby trees.

The U.S. Embassy emphasized the importance of maintaining military readiness as part of their global mission.

The Venezuelan government had announced the drill earlier in the week. Foreign Minister Yván Gil highlighted the United States’ intention to prepare for potential medical or catastrophic emergencies in the region.

Diplomatic Relations and Local Reactions

The drill took place soon after the U.S. restored full diplomatic relations with Venezuela. The reestablishment of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas occurred two months prior, following Maduro’s removal in January. Residents of Caracas gathered near the embassy to observe the exercise, while others protested against the action, holding signs like “No to the Yankee drill.”

This exercise marked the first U.S. military aircraft presence over Caracas since Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured earlier in January. They were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, for extradition to New York on drug trafficking charges, where they pleaded not guilty.

Military and Diplomatic Observations

The MV-22B Ospreys identifying themselves from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, are currently stationed with the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean. General Francis Donovan of the U.S. Southern Command attended the exercise, signifying continued U.S. military interest in Latin America.

General Donovan was on his second official visit to Caracas this year. His earlier visit in February included meetings with Venezuela’s defense and interior ministers. The U.S. Southern Command acknowledged Donovan’s arrival via social media platform X.