U.S. Military Conducts Drill in Venezuela’s Capital

The U.S. military executed a rapid response exercise in Caracas, Venezuela, involving Marines and military aircraft. This event took place over four months after former President Nicolás Maduro’s ouster.

Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, known for their helicopter and fixed-wing capabilities, flew over the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. They landed in the parking area, causing tree branches to sway. Military forces then descended from the aircraft.

Ensuring the military’s rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world,

the embassy stated on Instagram.

Venezuela’s government announced the exercise earlier in the week. According to Foreign Minister Yván Gil, the U.S. aimed to prepare for potential medical or catastrophic emergencies. This drill follows the U.S.’s embassy reopening in Caracas two months ago, which came after restoring full diplomatic relations post-Maduro’s removal.

Many Caracas residents gathered near the embassy to observe the aircraft activity. Meanwhile, others protested the exercise, holding a Venezuelan flag with the words, “No to the Yankee drill.” The last U.S. military aircraft presence in Caracas was on January 3 when elite forces descended from helicopters to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were arrested and taken to New York on drug trafficking charges, to which they pleaded not guilty.

The Ospreys involved were identified as part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, currently stationed aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean. After their arrest, Maduro and Flores were transported to this warship.

Marine General Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, personally observed the exercise. Donovan, who has made two official visits to Caracas this year, arrived in one of the Ospreys and met with senior Venezuelan officials and embassy staff. On the previous visit in February, Donovan met with Venezuela’s defense and interior ministers.