Venezuela's Maduro launches large-scale war game amid crisis

CARACAS-Reuters

The large-scale military exercise, which is being held in the country’s 200-year history, will continue until Feb. 15.     

“We must prepare to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” said Mauro, during his speech to soldiers at the Guaicaipuro Military Base in Miranda, central northern and coaster state of Venezuela.     

“Here are armed forces and here are the people to defend the honor, dignity and decorum of a country that has over 200 years of fighting for its future.”     

He also voiced against U.S. President Donald Trump, “get out Donald Trump, get out his threats,” Maduro said.     

The military exercise began on the 200th anniversary of Simon Bolivar’s Angostura Speech, which led the independence movement against the Spanish rule in Latin America.      

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela’s interim president, warned the military on Feb. 10 that blocking humanitarian aid from entering the country is a “crime against humanity.”

Medicine and food sent by the United States has been blocked on the border in Cucuta, Colombia after Venezuelan soldiers closed a bridge linking the two countries.

“There are people responsible for this and the regime should know it,” Guaido said after attending Sunday Mass.