Venezuela launched large-scale military exercises on its Caribbean island of La Orchila on Wednesday (September 17) as tensions escalate with the United States, deploying thousands of troops in what officials described as a defensive response to U.S. military activity in the region.

Troops are participating in the three-day drills, dubbed "Caribe Soberano 200" (Sovereign Caribbean 200), backed by warships, aircraft, militia boats, and artillery.

The exercises featured nighttime displays of military firepower, with Venezuelan forces firing Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles and heavy artillery.

Video footage released by the Venezuelan Communication Ministry showed Sukhoi-30 fighter jets and helicopters conducting flyovers, while amphibious tanks made beach landings as soldiers secured positions along the shoreline.

The military display comes amid escalating regional tensions following U.S. forces blowing up at least two Venezuelan boats this month, killing a combined 14 people allegedly transporting drugs across the Caribbean.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

LA ORCHILA, VENEZUELA (SEPTEMBER 17, 2025) (VENEZUELAN COMMUNICATION MINISTRY HANDOUT - Access all) (MUTE)

1. (NIGHT SHOT) MILITARY PERSONNEL FIRING IGLA-S ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILE DURING MILITARY EXERCISES

2. (NIGHT SHOTS) VARIOUS OF SOLDIERS FIRING HEAVY ARTILLERY

3. VARIOUS OF SOLDIERS FIRING HEAVY ARTILLERY

4. VARIOUS OF MILITARY TANKS MOVING

5. VARIOUS OF SUKHOI-30 AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS FLYING OVER ISLAND

6. VARIOUS OF CARGO BEING DROPPED FROM AN AIRCRAFT

7. VARIOUS OF MILITARY SHIPS AT SEA

8. SOLDIER DIVING INTO SEA

9. SOLDIERS COMING OUT OF THE SEA

10. SOLDIERS KNEELING ON THE SHORELINE

11. VARIOUS OF TANKS DISEMBARKING FROM SHIP

12. VARIOUS OF SOLDIERS, TANKS AND MILITARY VEHICLES GUARDING BEACH