Dozens of Venezuelans protested at Plaza Venezuela in Caracas on Saturday (23rd) against U.S. military exercises conducted at the American embassy in the Venezuelan capital. Demonstrators demanded an end to what they called "U.S. imperialism" and the release of former president Nicolás Maduro and former congresswoman Cilia Flores, captured by American forces on January 3. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Dezenas de venezuelanos protestaram na manhã deste sábado (23), na Plaza Venezuela, em Caracas, capital do país, exigindo o fim do imperialismo estadunidense na América Latina"
The exercise involved two MV-22B Osprey aircraft that overflew Caracas and landed at the U.S. embassy in the Valle Arriba sector, lasting from morning until early afternoon. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, was present for his second official visit to Venezuela and observed the training, arriving in one of the aircraft. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, was in Caracas for his second official visit to Venezuela. He took part in bilateral discussions with senior interim government leaders, met with U.S. Embassy leadership and staff, and observed the exercise. Donovan arrived in one of the Ospreys."
According to the U.S. embassy, the exercise was part of President Trump's "three-phase plan" for Venezuela. "Ensuring the military's rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world," the diplomatic mission stated. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Ensuring the military's rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world"
Maduro and Flores were captured during "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026, when Delta Force troops raided the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas. Both were transported to New York, where they face federal charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy, having pleaded not guilty in federal court on January 5. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Operation Absolute Resolve began with reports of explosions at about 02:00 in Caracas (06:00 GMT). Once on the ground, troops from the US Army's Delta Force, an elite special forces unit, moved quickly. They gained access to the compound at 02:01 local time."
U.S. military exercise occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the U.S. embassy in Caracas
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Protesters characterized the exercises as 'intimidation attempt' rather than routine training
-
What is the specific content of the "three-phase plan" mentioned by the U.S. embassy?
Why it's still unknown: The U.S. embassy referenced the plan but did not detail its stages or specific objectives
-
How many people participated in the Plaza Venezuela protest?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention 'dozens' of demonstrators but provide no precise numbers
-
How did Delcy Rodríguez's interim government justify authorizing the U.S. military exercises?
Why it's still unknown: Sources indicate the government authorized the activity but do not report official statements about the reasons
Did not cover: Brasil de Fato