The United States military conducted a rapid response drill on Saturday at its recently reopened embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft landed in the embassy parking lot as part of the exercise.
Official Statements
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil had announced the drill in advance. The U.S. Embassy stated that the exercise was crucial for ensuring military readiness and preparing for potential medical or catastrophic emergencies.
Context of the Drill
This operation took place over four months after the ouster of then-President Nicolás Maduro and nearly two months after the U.S. formally re-established its embassy in Caracas, restoring full diplomatic relations.
Public Reaction
While some Caracas residents gathered to observe the aircraft, a group of protesters elsewhere in the city displayed a Venezuelan flag with the message 'No to the Yankee drill' to express their opposition.
Previous Military Presence
The last U.S. military aircraft presence in Caracas was on January 3, when elite forces captured Maduro and his wife. They now face federal drug trafficking charges in New York, accused of leading a conspiracy to ship drugs to the United States.
