Maduro calls for military exercises
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro ordered the army to conduct a round of military drills later this month in response to US President Donald Trump's threat of military action in the crisis-stricken nation.
Maduro's embattled government -- facing a deepening economic emergency and swelling street protests -- has seized on Trump's apparent threat, which has been roundly condemned even by Latin American states opposed to the socialist president.
Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino called Trump's comments "crazy," saying it showed America had "dropped its mask" in terms of wanting to attack his country.
Maduro told a crowd of supporters in Caracas on Monday that he had organised a round of military drills for August 26-27 in response. "I have given the order to the armed forces' joint chiefs of staff to start preparations for a national civil-military exercise for the integrated armed defense of the Venezuelan nation," he said.
Trump said on Friday that the US was mulling a range of options against Venezuela, "including a possible military option if necessary." His words have bolstered Caracas's oft-repeated claim that Washington has designs to grab control of its proven oil reserves, the largest in the world.
Comments