Caracas, Sep 19 (EFE). – Venezuela ‘s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino L\u00f3pez described on Friday the military maneuver ordered by President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro on the island of La Orchila, in Venezuelan Caribbean waters, as “successful.”<\/p>
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.<\/p>
“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 Televisi\u00f3n (VTV).<\/p>
He added that Venezuela tested C-802 and CM-90 class missiles for anti-ship defense, as part of the exercises.<\/p>
“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.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
Maduro insists that the US deployment is a plan to force a “regime change” and install a “puppet government” that serves Washington’s interests.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
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