“It is not training, it is the exercise of the real world”: US Armed Forces Conduct Live-Fire Drills in the Caribbean
The United States Navy and Marine Corps recently completed live-fire training exercises in the Caribbean sea, demonstrating “readiness and lethality” according to a post on the X account of the US Southern Command.The drills involved naval weapons systems and a notable deployment of helicopters, as showcased in a 20-second video released by the command.
A voice within the video explicitly states, “Do not be wrong, what you are doing now is not training, it is the exercise of the real world.”
The Southern Command confirmed the deployment of US military forces to the Caribbean is in support of its mission, operations directed by the Department of Defense, and the priorities of President Donald Trump.
These exercises coincide with increased tensions between the US and Venezuela, stemming from a US naval deployment intended to combat drug trafficking. Venezuela has characterized the US presence as a “threat” to its sovereignty. The timing also follows statements by President trump regarding the pursuit of drug cartels operating from Venezuela, stating his management will “monitor very seriously the cartels that come by land.”
Further bolstering the military presence, fifty US Marines are scheduled to participate in training exercises in the Panamanian jungle. The Caribbean drills and jungle training are occurring concurrently with the ongoing naval deployment focused on disrupting drug trafficking operations in the region.