U.S. Marines Conduct Rapid Response Exercise in Caracas

On Saturday, the U.S. military held a rapid response exercise in Caracas, Venezuela, involving Marines and military aircraft. This drill took place over four months after the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro.

Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, known for their ability to function as both helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes, were part of the operation. They flew over the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas and landed in the parking lot, causing tree branches to sway due to the downdraft. Forces descended from these aircraft as part of the exercise.

The U.S. Embassy highlighted the importance of maintaining military readiness through rapid response capabilities, citing its significance in mission readiness globally, including Venezuela.

Earlier in the week, Venezuela’s government announced the drill. Foreign Minister Yván Gil stated that the U.S. would conduct the exercise to prepare for potential medical or catastrophic emergencies. This drill followed nearly two months after the U.S. officially reopened its embassy in Caracas, marking a renewed diplomatic relationship with Venezuela following Maduro’s removal in early January.

Some residents of Caracas gathered near the embassy to observe the aircraft. However, others protested against the exercise, displaying a Venezuelan flag with the slogan “No to the Yankee drill.”

Previously, U.S. military aircraft flew over Caracas on January 3 during the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were detained and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. They have pleaded not guilty.

The Ospreys that landed in Caracas were identified as part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, which is currently deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship in the Caribbean. After their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to this warship.

Marine Gen. Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, observed the exercise firsthand. He also met with senior Venezuelan officials and embassy staff. According to U.S. Southern Command, Donovan arrived on one of the Ospreys during his second official visit to Caracas this year. His previous visit in February included meetings with Venezuela’s defense and interior ministers.