The United States military conducted a significant drill over the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Saturday. This marks the first military exercise in the South American nation since U.S. forces captured former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3. The operation reportedly resulted in the loss of at least 100 lives, according to Venezuelan authorities.

Drill Details and Reactions

The recent drill, described by the Venezuelan government as an authorized evacuation exercise for potential medical emergencies or disasters, featured two MV-22B Osprey aircraft landing near the U.S. embassy. Additionally, U.S. naval vessels entered Venezuelan waters in the Caribbean Sea. The Venezuelan information ministry did not provide an immediate comment on the exercise.

The U.S. embassy in Caracas released a statement affirming its commitment to President Donald Trump’s three-phase plan, emphasizing the stabilization of Venezuela. The presence of Francis Donovan, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, underscored the significance of the drill.

Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the exercise. Evelyn Rebolledo, a 57-year-old administrator residing in Caracas, voiced her concerns: “A foreign country flying over the city itself, this is new to us and more so coming from the United States, given the current situation and all the turmoil in the country. It leaves us in a state of uncertainty.”

U.S. and Venezuelan Relations

The Trump administration has extended its support to the government led by Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president. Under Rodriguez’s leadership, Venezuela has enacted laws to open its vast oil reserves and mining resources to U.S. interests. This development represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the region, with potential implications for both countries’ economies and political dynamics.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.