The ship, considered the most powerful in the US Navy, has joined other vessels deployed in the area to reinforce operations against drug trafficking and the Soles cartel, linked to high-ranking members of the Venezuelan regime. Visibly upset, Maduro denounced "14 weeks of imperial criminal madness and constant psychological warfare" by the United States.
The Chavista leader took the opportunity to showcase the military power of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), highlighting its "air, land, naval, river, and missile capabilities," as well as the participation of the Bolivarian Militia and the citizen security forces.
As part of the maneuver, the president presented the integral defense commands, made up of military personnel, Chavista officials, and civilians willing to participate in "armed struggle." "We are ready to defend the homeland in any terrain and under any circumstances," proclaimed Maduro, who reiterated that Venezuela is prepared to respond with all its resources to what he considers a direct foreign threat.