Conflicts

Venezuela Conducts Military Exercise Amid U.S. Naval Buildup in Caribbean

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Nov 12, 2025

THE BARE STORY

Venezuela launched a nationwide military exercise on Tuesday, an event its Ministry of Defense described as a response to an increased U.S. military presence in the region. According to the ministry, the drills involve 200,000 personnel from the nation’s land, air, and sea forces.

The exercise coincides with the U.S. Department of Defense confirming that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has entered the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean. The U.S. has also reportedly deployed F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico and six other Navy ships to the area.

In a televised address, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced the exercise and referenced ongoing U.S. military strikes against vessels in international waters. The U.S. administration has described these strikes, which began in September, as part of an anti-drug offensive. Padrino accused the U.S. of killing at least 76 people in these operations, which he called the murder of "defenseless people." He stated that any foreign attack on Venezuela would be met with a united national defense.

The situation has drawn a response from neighboring Colombia, whose President Gustavo Petro ordered a halt to intelligence sharing with the U.S. on Tuesday. Petro stated the directive would remain as long as missile attacks on boats in the Caribbean continue, adding that the fight against drugs "must be subordinated to human rights."

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• The nation's military drills are a defensive response to U.S. regional actions. The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense has described its nationwide military exercise, which involves 200,000 personnel, as a reaction to an increased U.S. military presence. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino stated that any foreign attack on Venezuela would be met with a united national defense, framing the drills as a protective measure.

• U.S. military operations in the Caribbean constitute aggression and murder. According to the Defense Minister, U.S. military strikes against vessels in international waters amount to the "murder of 'defenseless people.'" He alleges that these operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 76 people, directly challenging the U.S. justification for its actions.

• The situation has prompted a regional ally to suspend cooperation with the U.S. In response to the U.S. military's actions in the Caribbean, neighboring Colombia has ordered a halt to intelligence sharing with the United States. Colombian President Gustavo Petro explicitly stated that this directive would remain in place as long as the U.S. missile attacks on boats continue.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The U.S. has deployed significant naval and air power to the Caribbean for a declared anti-drug offensive involving military strikes.

• The offensive's effectiveness may be affected, as Colombia has halted intelligence sharing with the U.S., citing human rights concerns.

• The situation has prompted a large-scale Venezuelan military exercise in response, increasing military activity in the region.

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