Venezuela has initiated three days of military exercises named “Sovereign Caribbean” on La Orchila Island amidst rising tensions following U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan boats accused of drug trafficking. These exercises, involving a significant deployment of naval and aerial assets, come in response to U.S. operations that have drawn international scrutiny for potential extrajudicial actions. President Nicolás Maduro condemned U.S. intervention as aggressive, asserting Venezuela’s right to defend itself. The situation highlights escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, with implications for U.S.-Latin American relations, particularly concerning drug trafficking and national security assertions made by the Trump administration, which has placed Venezuela under increased scrutiny and sanctions.