Caracas [Venezuela], November 16 (ANI): Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro criticised what he described as “irresponsible” plans by the United States to conduct five days of military drills in Trinidad and Tobago starting Sunday, CNN reported. Speaking to supporters in the Petare area of eastern Caracas, Maduro accused Washington of pursuing a “criminal war” and urged vigilance. He warned that “the people of Trinidad and Tobago will see if they continue allowing their waters and land to be used to gravely threaten the peace of the Caribbean.”
CNN reported that Trinidad and Tobago’s attorney general told the Financial Times the US would “intensify” exercises in the island nation, located just a few miles off Venezuela’s coast. The announcement followed the deployment of a US guided-missile destroyer last month for training, which Venezuela condemned as a “military provocation.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Sean Sobers dismissed suggestions that the drills signal any imminent US action near Venezuela. The exercises will involve the US Marine Corps’ 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and are aimed at disrupting illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean, while also allowing US and local forces to practice tactics and train for domestic challenges such as gang violence and drug-related crime. CNN noted that the US recently reinforced its naval presence in the region, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, America’s largest warship.
In response, Venezuela announced a “massive mobilization” of troops, weapons, and equipment in the Caribbean, raising fears of a potential escalation. Observers have questioned why such extensive US firepower is necessary for anti-drug missions, highlighting that the USS Gerald R. Ford represents the largest US military presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
President Donald Trump reportedly believes Maduro’s days are numbered and has considered possible US land strikes in Venezuela. CNN noted that military options have been presented to Trump, though no final decision has been made.
Maduro appealed for calm, telling CNN his message to Trump was “yes peace, yes peace.” Addressing supporters on Saturday, he said Venezuelans seek peace and insisted the nation would not become “slaves to gringos.” He added that most citizens are “prepared to defend this country with honor and love,” declaring, “The strength of the country will always be that of the people and not the oligarchs or the imperialists.”
Meanwhile, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged supporters to break ranks with the government, saying, “The roar of this land that demands freedom grows and echoes inside and outside the country. Thirty million of us, rise up against a criminal regime that is on its way out.” From an undisclosed location, she welcomed US actions, accusing Maduro of turning Venezuela into “a real threat to the national security of the United States.” In a voice message posted to X for military and security personnel, she said, “History, the law, and the Venezuelan people will be your judges. Be a hero, not a criminal. Be a source of pride and not a shame for your family. Be part of Venezuela’s bright future, not the ruin that tyranny created as this day approaches.” (ANI)
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