The Daily Journal.- Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, announced this Thursday through an official statement that national authorities have granted permission to the Embassy of the United States of America to conduct a security and contingency exercise in the capital city next Saturday, May 23.
“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela informs the Venezuelan people that, at the request of the Embassy of the United States of America in Caracas, the competent national authorities have authorized, for Saturday, May 23, the implementation of an evacuation drill in response to potential medical situations or catastrophic contingencies, as part of regular diplomatic security and protection protocols,” states the text read by the foreign minister.
Military Supervision and Overflights in the Capital
The execution of the drill includes an operational deployment that will require the use of Caracas airspace, which will remain under the control of Venezuelan state institutions.
“The activity will be carried out in coordination with the corresponding Venezuelan aeronautical authorities, responsible for authorizing and supervising the overflights required for this exercise, as well as with other national agencies and institutions involved in emergency response and security protocols,” details the document read by the foreign minister.
The official statement specifically outlines the scope of the maneuvers: “two aircraft will conduct controlled overflights over the city of Caracas and perform landing operations at the facilities of the Embassy of the United States of America.”
Humanitarian Assistance Participation
Foreign Minister Yván Gil also emphasized that “the coordination and participation of the Venezuelan Red Cross will be included in the components associated with the evacuation and emergency response exercise.”
Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that this report is being released to keep citizens informed and prevent unnecessary concern regarding weekend air activity, clarifying that “all coordination related to this activity has been conducted through the Directorate of Protocol, Immunities, and Privileges of the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs.”
