The United States military conducted a rapid response exercise at its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, deploying two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft to the embassy parking lot. The drill took place over four months after the ouster of then-President Nicolás Maduro.
Exercise Details
Two Ospreys, which combine helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft capabilities, flew over the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas before landing. The downdraft from the aircraft blew tree branches as forces descended. The embassy stated on Instagram: "Ensuring the military’s rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world."
Government Announcement
Venezuela’s government had announced the drill earlier in the week. Foreign Minister Yván Gil explained that the exercise was intended to prepare for medical or catastrophic emergencies.
Context and Reactions
The drill comes nearly two months after the U.S. formally reopened its embassy in Caracas, following the restoration of full diplomatic relations after Maduro's ouster in early January. Some Caracas residents gathered near the embassy to watch the aircraft, while a few dozen others protested elsewhere in the city. Protesters displayed a Venezuelan flag with the message "No to the Yankee drill" written on it.
Previous Military Action
U.S. military aircraft last flew over Caracas on January 3, when elite forces rappelled from helicopters and captured Maduro and his wife. Both were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges, to which they have pleaded not guilty.
