Venezuela Prepares for Military Drills Amid Rising Tensions with the US

Venezuela is getting ready for big military exercises. This is their response to the US sending more warships and troops to the Caribbean. The country's defense minister said they are moving land, air, naval, and reserve forces. They also have a special civilian group called the Bolivarian Militia joining in. The US has sent its biggest warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the area. This ship is part of a larger group that includes other ships and over 4, 000 sailors. The US says they are there to fight drug trafficking. But Venezuela thinks the US wants to change their government. Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, has a plan called "Independence Plan 200. " It involves regular military, militia, and police working together to protect the country. Maduro says he has over 8 million militia members, but some experts doubt this number. Right now, there are about 15, 000 US personnel in the region. The US has also sent fighter jets and drones to Puerto Rico. This is part of their increased focus on the Caribbean. The situation is tense. Venezuela sees the US as a threat, while the US says it's there for security. Both sides are preparing for different reasons. It's a complex situation with no easy answers.