Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Picture courtesy of CNN

 

Venezuela has announced a “massive mobilisation” of its military forces, responding to the US's increased military presence in the Caribbean Sea. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that land, air, naval, and reserve forces would conduct exercises until Wednesday. This action aims to counter the perceived “imperialist threat” from the US.

 

The mobilisation involves both regular military units and the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force established by the late Hugo Chávez. Padrino López noted that President Nicolas Maduro ordered the exercises to enhance "command, control, and communication" and strengthen national defence. These developments come amid escalating tensions between Venezuela and the US, who announced the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the region.

 

The US maintains that its military build-up focuses on curbing drug trafficking in Latin America, supported by recent strikes on alleged drug boats. However, Caracas accuses the US of seeking regime change, with some reports indicating that US officials have privately acknowledged a strategy to oust Maduro. President Donald Trump has previously suggested considering military actions, though current US administration officials deny any such plans.

 

Padrino López also linked the Venezuelan military exercises to the “Independence Plan 200,” a strategy aimed at integrating military and militia forces for national defence. Venezuela’s conventional military numbers approximately 123,000 personnel. While Maduro claims the militia has over 8 million reservists, experts cast doubts over the accuracy and training quality of these figures.

 

Looking forward, the situation remains tense as both nations continue their military posturing. The US’s focus on anti-narcotics operations contrasts with Venezuela’s defensive measures against what it considers external aggression. The international community watches closely as this power struggle unfolds, reported CNN.

 

Key Takeaways

• Venezuela responds to US's military build-up with national exercises.
• US claims its actions target drug trafficking, but Venezuela alleges regime change motives.
• Venezuela's “Independence Plan 200” aims to fortify defence capabilities.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-12

 

 

Can’t blame him for being nervous….who in their right mind would send an aircraft carrier + its task force to go after outboard motor boats???oh I said rite mind didn’t I sorry never mind.

Deja Vu all over again.

Naval blockade of Venezuela by Britain, Germany and Italy, 1902.