Venezuela has announced a “massive mobilization” of its military personnel, weapons, and equipment in response to the growing concentration of U.S. naval forces and troops in the Caribbean Sea, escalating already tense relations between Caracas and Washington.
According to Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, land, air, naval, and reserve forces will conduct military exercises through Wednesday. He described the deployment as a response to the “imperialist threat” posed by U.S. troop buildup, CNN reported.
In addition to regular armed forces, the exercises will also involve the Bolivarian Militia – a civilian reserve force established by the late President Hugo Chávez, named after Simón Bolívar, the revolutionary leader who secured independence for several Latin American nations from Spain.
Padrino López, who said the order came directly from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, stated that the purpose of the exercises was to “optimize command, control, and communications” and to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
The mobilization comes amid rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States, as Washington continues to expand its regional presence. On Tuesday, the U.S. Navy announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford — America’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier — had entered the operational zone of the U.S. Southern Command, which covers much of Latin America.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Ford to move from Europe toward the Caribbean late last month.
The Ford’s accompanying strike group includes nine air squadrons, two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers — USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan — the command and air defense ship USS Winston S. Churchill, and over 4,000 sailors.
The United States has framed the increased military presence as part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking and intercept shipments headed for the U.S., noting several recent operations against suspected drug vessels.
However, critics warn that such actions could further destabilize the region and intensify geopolitical tensions with the Maduro regime, which often uses U.S. military maneuvers to justify internal crackdowns and consolidate political power.
