Venezuelan Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, has drawn attention to the increased military presence of the U.S. Southern Command in areas close to Venezuela.
He associates this increase with perceived escalations in opposition towards Venezuela, including economic and media criticism.
“Simultaneously with the increase in pressure on Venezuela, we are noticing a rise in the U.S. Southern Command’s presence nearby,” said López.
The Minister questioned whether these events were related, suggesting a potential repetition of past incidents that led to destabilization attempts.
His comments referenced perceived efforts from Washington to alter Venezuela’s government.
On social media, López shared messages from the Southern Command indicating U.S.-led military trainings on July 17 in Guyana, with several countries involved.
He also noted the recent presence of Southern Command’s General Laura Richardson in Colombia, Panama, and during special operations maneuvers in Guyana.