Venezuela mobilizes large forces in the face of US threats in the Caribbean

(CLO) Venezuela is conducting a "massive mobilization" of military personnel, weapons and equipment to counter the US's increased naval and military presence in the Caribbean Sea.

According to Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, army, air force, navy and reserve forces will participate in exercises lasting until November 12, aimed at improving command, control, communication and defense capabilities against the “imperialist threat” from the United States.

Defense Minister Padrino López affirmed that the deployment of Venezuelan forces is part of the “Independence Plan 200” - a combined military -civilian strategy to mobilize the regular army, militias and police to protect the country.

The exercise also involved the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force created by the late President Hugo Chávez. The Bolivarian National Armed Forces currently has about 123,000 troops.

An AF/A-18E Super Hornet fighter flies over the USS Gerald R. Ford on November 5. Photo: US Navy

The move comes amid rising tensions between the two countries. On November 11, the US Navy announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier - America's largest warship - had arrived in the US Southern Command's area of ​​operations, which includes most of Latin America.

The Ford strike group includes nine air squadrons, two guided-missile destroyers, an air defense command ship, more than 4,000 sailors and many other military equipment.

The US has said the deployment is aimed at combating drug trafficking and protecting regional security, but Venezuela says the US is actually seeking regime change in Venezuela. Some US officials have acknowledged the strategy is aimed at overthrowing President Nicolas Maduro, and last month President Donald Trump said the CIA had been given permission to operate in the country.

Before the appearance of the Ford, the US deployed about 15,000 personnel in the region, along with many warships, submarines, helicopters, F-35 fighter jets, MQ-9 Reaper drones and about 5,000 soldiers stationed in Puerto Rico.

Additionally, US bombers also conducted training and strike demonstration missions near the Venezuelan coast in late October.

Source: https://congluan.vn/venezuela-huy-dong-luc-luong-lon-truoc-su-de-doa-cua-my-o-caribe-10317528.html