Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro activated the ODDI command post and launched the "Independence 200" drill in the eastern states of Anzoategui, Monagas and Bolivar 🛡️✈️. This massive exercise aims to exercise national sovereignty and protect citizens' lives, with Maduro declaring "the people are winning peace."
At the UN Security Council, Venezuela's ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the United States of actions that threaten regional stability 🚨. He warned that the US military buildup just miles off Venezuela's coast raises fears of an imminent armed attack and urged the council to prevent further escalation.
Moncada also claimed US forces struck four civilian boats in the Caribbean, killing 21 people without identifying the vessels or their crew. "There is no conflict. The United States is manufacturing one under the false pretext of combating drug trafficking," he said, highlighting a struggle over natural resources.
On the flip side, the Pentagon announced a new counter-narcotics joint task force led by the II Marine Expeditionary Force. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put it bluntly: "If you traffic drugs toward our shores, we will stop you cold." The unit will sync maritime patrols, aerial surveillance and precision interdictions across Latin America 🌊🚁.
But legal experts and Democratic lawmakers are raising eyebrows at recent US strikes on Caribbean vessels. Critics question the lack of evidence against the boats and why the military, not the Coast Guard, is in charge of these operations 👀. They argue that international law requires non-lethal measures like warning shots before lethal force.
As both sides ramp up their military postures, Latin America watches closely. Will this standoff ease or spiral into greater tension? Stay tuned for more updates on this high-stakes showdown 🔥🤝.
Reference(s):
Venezuela launches drill amid U.S. military buildup in Latin America
cgtn.com
