Venezuela's 'Independence 200' Drill Takes Off
As U.S. military operations intensify in Latin America, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on social media the activation of a national defense command post known as ODDI and the launch of the "Independence 200" exercise in the eastern states of Anzoátegui, Monagas and Bolívar. The large-scale drill aims to test rapid response, maritime patrols and civilian protection measures.
Framing Sovereignty and Peace
Maduro emphasized that the exercise is about safeguarding national sovereignty and citizens’ lives. "The people are winning peace," he wrote, highlighting a mix of troop deployments, simulated emergency scenarios and coastal barrier drills designed to strengthen local defenses.
Rising Tensions at the UN
At an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Venezuela’s ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the United States of threatening regional stability. "These are not isolated incidents – they represent a growing threat to peace and security in our nation and the entire region," Moncada said, warning that U.S. forces stationed just miles off Venezuela’s coast could signal an imminent armed attack.
He also claimed recent U.S. strikes on four boats in the Caribbean resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians without identification or proof of criminal ties, arguing this action violates international law and is aimed at seizing natural resources under the guise of counter-narcotics.
U.S. Counter-Narcotics Task Force
Against this backdrop, the Pentagon announced the creation of a new joint counter-narcotics task force led by the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the mission is "to crush the cartels, stop the poison and keep America safe," with a focus on maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, precision interdictions and intelligence sharing.
Marine Lieutenant General Calvert Worth, who will lead the task force, emphasized that the effort will "synchronize and augment counter-narcotics operations across the Western Hemisphere," though it remains unclear whether new authorities will be granted for strikes inside Venezuelan waters.
Legal Questions and Regional Impact
Democratic lawmakers and legal experts have raised concerns over the limits of presidential power and the choice of military force over law enforcement measures. Critics point to the lack of publicly detailed evidence against targeted vessels, the use of lethal munitions at sea and the Coast Guard’s sidelining in these operations.
With both sides calling for dialogue and self-defense, regional and international observers are watching closely. The next moves by Caracas and Washington could redefine security dynamics across Latin America.
Reference(s):
Venezuela launches drill amid U.S. military buildup in Latin America
cgtn.com
