These military drills prove the Bolivarian National Armed Forces’ growing capabilities.

On Thursday, President Nicolas Maduro praised Venezuela’s armed forces and people for their role in defending the country against U.S. aggression, as he announced the start of a major military exercise in the Caribbean.

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The president said Operation Caribe 200, a real-time defense drill, was underway in Venezuelan territorial waters. He described it as proof of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces’ (FANB) growing capabilities.

“In Venezuela we have had a wonderful process: enlistment, exercises, operations, and right now, in real time, in the Venezuelan Caribbean we are carrying out Operation Caribe 200,” Maduro said, adding that the maneuvers had “surprised the world” and demonstrated Venezuela’s right to peace.

Maduro warned foreign powers not to “threaten Venezuela” and repeated his government’s commitment to peace, sovereignty, and self-determination.

“The times of colonies are over. We will never be slaves… I decree perpetual peace for Venezuela, with sovereignty, equality and freedom. Not Roman peace, not imperial peace,” he declared.

Maduro said the drills, which showed Venezuela’s deterrent power in 72 hours, were a response to U.S. military exercises that he alleged took place in Venezuelan waters.

“We are obligated to defend ourselves and to exercise sovereignty,” he said, accusing Washington of fabricating narratives to justify aggression.

“Why do you think they want to bomb us and invade Venezuela? Because they love us?” he asked, insisting that accusations against his government had been dismissed by reports from the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Customs Organization.

The Bolivarian leader pointed out that the real objective of U.S. hostility is to gain control of Venezuela’s natural wealth, including the world’s largest proven oil reserves, the fourth-largest natural gas reserves and significant gold deposits.

“That has not happened, and it will not happen,” he said. “Venezuela will shine for its independence and freedom, and that there will be peace.”

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Presidential Press

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