Screenshot from footage released by the Venezuelan Army of the Naval Drill Caribe Soberano 200. Photo: File photo.
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—For the second consecutive day, Venezuela has conducted military exercises in the waters off the island of La Orchila. The naval drill, dubbed “Caribe Soberano 200,” is a direct response to what is seen by many as a provocative and unprecedented military deployment by the US empire off the coast of Venezuela.
The three-day drill, which began this Wednesday, September 17, includes 12 military vessels, 22 aircraft, amphibious vehicles, and anti-aircraft defense systems. It has mobilized 2,300 troops so far, and incorporated 20 fishing vessels operated by members of the Special Naval Militia of fishermen. The exercise is expected to finish Friday.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino confirmed the continuity of operations and emphasized the need to “increase operational readiness” in the event of a potential maritime conflict. “The Venezuelan Armed Force has demonstrated once again that this country has someone to defend it,” he stated, explaining that Venezuelans are preparing “on the ground to raise the operational readiness in the face of the military threat that has been raised in the Caribbean against Venezuela.”
🔥 Watch Venezuela’s Navy flex its power near La Orchila Island. Caribbean waters just got hotter. Ready for what comes next? We are. ⚓🇻🇪 #NavyDrill #Caribbean #nopasaran pic.twitter.com/jPdetPuaws
— Orinoco Tribune (@OrinocoTribune) September 18, 2025
Government condemns US empire’s actions
The Venezuelan government has condemned the US imperialist aggression and threats against the Venezuelan people. In official statements, Venezuela repudiated the recent hostile boarding of a Venezuelan-flagged fishing vessel by the US Navy and two other incidents involving the illegal murder, by US Navy forces, of 14 civilians allegedly carrying drugs. The US military is yet to provide any evidence of narcotics activity.
The US empire has been maintaining a naval deployment in the region, citing the operations as part of its ongoing “war on drugs” efforts. It claims to have acted following US colonial legislation, defending the legality of its actions in international waters; however, experts and even congresspeople within the colony have claimed the actions of the US empire as illegal.
Consequently, President Nicolás Maduro warned that he would declare a “republic in arms” and an “extended armed struggle” if a direct US imperial military attack occurs. The US empire’s government has not indicated any plans for a ground incursion with its more than 4,000 troops deployed in the area, but maintains a hardline and warmongering rhetoric. This includes increasing the bounty for President Maduro’s “capture” to $50 million.
Despite the US colony citing its “war on drugs” as the reason for the deployment, many experts claim its real objective is to carry out a regime change operation against the Chavista leadership. As part of efforts to combat the mainstream narrative of anti-Chavista propaganda, Venezuela has highlighted its clean record in its own fights against drugs, citing reports from the United Nations, the European Union, and even the US empire’s own Drug Enforcement Administration.
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A nation mobilizing in defense
The Bolivarian National Armed Force and the Venezuelan people have demonstrated a united front in recent weeks to face the US empire’s military threats. A massive enlistment campaign for the Bolivarian Militia and multitudinous training exercises for new recruits across the country demonstrate the cohesion of Venezuelans in defending sovereignty and freedom.
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/JRE/AU
