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Covert operations

Venezuela Conducts Military Exercises Amid US Escalation in Regional Presence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tensions between Venezuela and the US have heightened as Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced that the country is conducting military exercises to protect its coast against potential "covert operations" by the US. This move follows the Pentagon's deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group into the region, in response to the ongoing campaign of deadly attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats that have killed at least 43 people. Venezuela is also accusing the US of leading a covert operation aimed at destabilizing the country internally, with US President Donald Trump authorizing CIA operations in Venezuela and considering ground attacks against alleged drug cartels.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Venezuelan government is conducting a coastal defense exercise to protect itself from "large-scale military threats, drug trafficking, terrorist threats, and covert operations" that aim to destabilize the country internally.
  • The exercise began 72 hours ago and involves military personnel deployed in nine coastal states and a member of President Maduro's civilian militia carrying a Russian Igla-S shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile.
  • Venezuela accuses the US of leading a covert operation aimed at destabilizing the country internally, with President Trump authorizing CIA operations in Venezuela.
  • The US has deployed a fleet of eight Navy ships, 10 F-35 warplanes, and a nuclear-powered submarine for anti-drug operations, which Venezuela claims mask a plan to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
  • The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and the warship USS Gravely are traveling to the region to join the fleet and participate in joint exercises with Trinidad and Tobago.

Statistics:

  • At least 43 people have been killed in deadly attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats.
  • Since September 2, US forces have bombed 10 alleged drug boats, with 8 of the attacks occurring in the Caribbean.
  • Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said that the Trump administration has authorized CIA operations in Venezuela.
  • Eight US Navy ships and 10 F-35 warplanes have been deployed to the region for anti-drug operations.

Sources:

  • "Venezuela Conducts Military Exercises Amid US Escalation in Regional Presence", The New Nation, October 27, with permission from HT Digital Content Services.

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