U.S. Conducts Military Drill in Caracas Following Embassy Reopening
The U.S. military executed a rapid response drill with Marines and aircraft over the weekend in Caracas, Venezuela. This event comes more than four months after the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, which possess both helicopter and airplane features, flew above the newly reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas. They landed in its parking area, dispersing tree branches with their downdraft. Personnel then descended from the aircraft.
Military Readiness
The U.S. Embassy highlighted on Instagram the significance of maintaining the military’s rapid response capability. This exercise helps ensure mission readiness in Venezuela and globally.
Venezuela’s government had previously announced the drill. Foreign Minister Yván Gil described the U.S. action as preparation for potential medical or catastrophic emergencies.
Diplomatic Relations
The U.S. formally reopened its embassy in Caracas two months ago, following the restoration of complete diplomatic relations after Maduro’s departure in January.
Caracas residents watched the aircraft near the embassy. Meanwhile, a group gathered elsewhere to protest the exercise, displaying a flag stating, “No to the Yankee drill.”
Previous Military Activity
On January 3, U.S. military aircraft flew over Caracas. Elite forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from helicopters, taking them to New York for drug trafficking charges. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The Ospreys involved in Saturday’s drill were identified with markings from the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263. This squadron is currently stationed on the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean. Maduro and Flores were transported to this vessel post-detention.
U.S. Southern Command’s Marine Gen. Francis Donovan observed the exercise. He also met with top Venezuelan officials and embassy staff on the same day.
Gen. Donovan arrived in one of the Ospreys for his second official Caracas visit this year. In February, he had meetings with Venezuela’s defense and interior ministers.