Venezuela has declared it will double its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, as it prepares for a potential armed conflict, amid escalating tensions with the US.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López made the announcement on state television VTZ yesterday, according to “El Pitazo” – an independent Venezuelan news website.
He said President Nicolás Maduro ordered a large-scale military drill called “Sovereign Caribbean 200”, which includes a three-day exercise, now underway on its island of La Orchila.
This will involve more than 2,500 troops, 12 navy vessels, 22 aircraft, Special Forces, intelligence units, a submarine, and drones.
La Orchila Island is a military base off the coast of Venezuela, north of Caracas.
