The Daily Journal.- Two MV-22B Osprey aircraft belonging to the United States Marine Corps flew over Caracas this Saturday to carry out a military exercise at the facilities of the U.S. Embassy in the Venezuelan capital.
Through the diplomatic mission’s official social media account, it was explained that the deployment aimed to “ensure the military’s rapid response capability.”
Venezuelan authorities had informed the public in advance about the operation, presenting it as an “evacuation drill in the event of possible medical emergencies or catastrophic contingencies.” On Thursday, Foreign Minister Yván Gil delivered a televised address seeking to reassure the public and justify the overflights planned for the weekend. However, both the official statement and the Foreign Ministry’s related social media posts were later removed.
New Visit by Southern Command to Caracas
The operations were carried out with the presence and direct supervision of the commander of U.S. Southern Command, General Francis L. Donovan, who visited the Venezuelan capital for the second time since the military operation of January 3 that resulted in Nicolás Maduro’s detention and subsequent transfer to New York.
In February, Donovan had already met in Caracas with interim President Delcy Rodríguez to coordinate new security arrangements.
Through its official social media channels, U.S. Southern Command confirmed that on this occasion Donovan “participated in bilateral discussions with senior leaders of the interim government.” So far, no official statement has been issued by Miraflores regarding the matter.
Southern Command emphasized that the deployment of aircraft and troops forms part of the strategy outlined by Donald Trump’s administration for the region.
“We remain committed to ensuring the implementation of President Trump’s three-phase plan—particularly the stabilization of Venezuela—and to the importance of shared security throughout the Western Hemisphere,” the U.S. military command stated.
(Recent reporting from multiple outlets confirms that two MV-22B Osprey aircraft conducted the exercise in Caracas and that General Francis L. Donovan was present and involved in meetings with Venezuelan interim officials.)
