Amid threats from the US, Venezuela reinforces troops on its borders with Colombia and Brazil.
Venezuelan forces were deployed in response to the sending of US troops to the Caribbean region.
247 - Venezuela intensified its military presence on its borders with Colombia and Brazil on Friday, October 17th, as part of a series of maneuvers involving 17 soldiers. This measure comes in response to the deployment of US warships to the Caribbean region, an action Washington justifies as part of an anti-drug operation focused especially on Caracas and President Nicolás Maduro. (Source: [Source Name]) RFI.
Military reinforcement and escalating tensions
Military maneuvers in Venezuela are taking place amidst escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, which have been ongoing for months and threaten to further destabilize the region. This week, US President Donald Trump authorized clandestine CIA operations in Venezuela aimed at dismantling what he considers a drug trafficking network associated, according to him, with the government of Nicolás Maduro. In parallel, actions launched from the fleet in Caribbean waters have already resulted in attacks on vessels, with at least 27 deaths, according to reports, although AFP has not been able to confirm the veracity of these figures.
Venezuelan response to US military presence
In response, President Nicolás Maduro, who denies any involvement with drug trafficking, described the US military presence as a "threat" to Venezuelan sovereignty. "We are prepared to defend our homeland against any aggression," the head of state stated when ordering the deployment of military forces to the borders with neighboring countries.
In the state of Táchira, one of the most critical areas where the main bridges connecting Venezuela to Colombia are located, the armed forces were positioned around the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, which links the cities of Cúcuta and Villa del Rosario in Colombia to the Venezuelan city of San Antonio.
Reinforcement on the border with Brazil
According to the commander of the Integrated Defense Operational Zone (ZODI) of Táchira, General Michell Valladares, 17 soldiers were mobilized for the region. Meanwhile, in the state of Amazonas, which borders Brazil, security forces were deployed to protect "strategic businesses" and "basic services," with the goal of "increasing the level of operational readiness," stated the head of ZODI in Amazonas, General Lionel Sojo.
Mobilization in coastal areas
According to the report, in addition to its land borders, Venezuela has also intensified surveillance in coastal areas, especially after the latest maritime attack, which prompted investigations in Trinidad and Tobago into the possible deaths of two of its citizens. The situation is further complicated by the constant attacks that jeopardize the stability of the region.
Accusations and speculations
The White House and President Donald Trump have systematically accused President Nicolás Maduro of being directly involved in drug trafficking, which the Venezuelan government categorically denies. Furthermore, the US government is offering a $50 million reward for Maduro's capture.
Meanwhile, Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. forces in South and Central America, announced his early retirement after 37 years of service, leaving his post on December 12 without providing further explanation.
Allegation of psychological warfare
Amid this turmoil of tensions, Caracas has expressed outrage at CIA operations, denouncing attempts at internal destabilization. Recently, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge were cited by the Miami Herald in an alleged negotiation with Washington to depose Maduro in exchange for maintaining power.
In response, Rodríguez repudiated the accusations. "Yet another media outlet contributing to the psychological warfare against the Venezuelan people. They have no ethics or morals and exclusively promote lies and corruption," she wrote on the social network Telegram.
