Venezuela’s Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, announced the start of the military exercise “Operation Independence 200”, initiated by order of President Nicolas Maduro.
As reported by national media, the ceremony at which Cabello announced the start of the exercise took place in the state of Monagas during the transfer of military equipment and equipment.
According to the minister, more than 1,500 military personnel and civilians are involved in the maneuvers. Cabello called the main goal of the exercises the protection of national sovereignty and maintaining peace in the face of external threats emanating, in his words, from “imperialism and its accomplices within the country.”
Cabello sharply criticized oppositionists who support US military activity in the Caribbean, calling them “traitors to the motherland” and “unworthy sons of the country.” “We are ready to confront the various threats that hover over our homeland, like the shadow of imperialism. We are always on the offensive, preparing for a comprehensive defense as part of a strategy of active and long-term resistance,” the minister emphasized, without naming specific names.
According to Venezuelan media, the exercises are aimed at protecting state institutions, ensuring internal order and strengthening air defense systems. As part of Operation Independence 200, special attention is paid to increasing combat readiness and coordination of forces.
Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro announced on his social media account that special defense zones have been created in the states of Anzoategui, Monagas and Bolivar in the northeast of the country.
According to the head of state, these zones form a strategically important corridor stretching from the Caribbean Sea to the Orinoco River and the border with Brazil, protecting key areas of the country.