Caracas, Sep 19 (EFE). – Venezuela ‘s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López described on Friday the military maneuver ordered by President Nicolás Maduro on the island of La Orchila, in Venezuelan Caribbean waters, as “successful.”
Amid the military exercises, Padrino Lopez accused the US of having “an undeclared war” against Venezuela and said that the three-day period allotted for the “air, naval, and land deployment” was enough time to fine-tune, adjust, harmonize, and unify the country’s weapons systems.
“It has been a very complete and successful operation. Even though there are still hours to go, we can say ‘mission accomplished,'” said the official during a broadcast by the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).
He added that Venezuela tested C-802 and CM-90 class missiles for anti-ship defense, as part of the exercises.
“They launched them very effectively, efficiently, and precisely, which gives us strength because we know that our Bolivarian Navy is powerful and capable,” he added.
Likewise, the minister indicated that there have been no accidents or incidents so far during the maneuvers, which he said speaks volumes about the training of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces.
Since Wednesday, Venezuela has been conducting military exercises in La Orchila to increase operational readiness in response to the threat posed by eight US warships, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, and more than 4,500 soldiers deployed in the region for anti-drug trafficking operations.
Maduro insists that the US deployment is a plan to force a “regime change” and install a “puppet government” that serves Washington’s interests.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump denied having held talks with members of his government to plan a “regime change” in Caracas, according to EFE.
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