Marines conduct rapid response exercise at U.S. Embassy in Venezuela's capital
Summary
The U.S. military held a rapid response training exercise with Marines and aircraft at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. This comes after the embassy reopened following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro in January.Key Facts
- Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, which can fly like helicopters and airplanes, landed at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas during the exercise.
- The drill was announced by Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil, who said it was to prepare for medical or disaster emergencies.
- The U.S. embassy was reopened about two months before the exercise after full diplomatic ties were restored following Maduro’s ouster.
- Some Venezuelan citizens watched the exercise near the embassy, while others protested with signs against the U.S. drill.
- President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces on January 3 and taken to New York to face drug charges; they deny the charges.
- The Ospreys belonged to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, which is aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean.
- Marine General Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, observed the drill and met with Venezuelan officials on the same day.
- Donovan previously visited Caracas in February and met with Venezuela’s defense and interior ministers.
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