Venezuelan Regime Conducts Military Drills Across The Country To 'Preserve Territorial Integrity'

Venezuela's authoritarian government is conducting a series of military drills across the country to "defend sovereignty, guarantee the future and preserve territorial integrity" as tensions with the U.S. remain high.

The "Ejercicio Independencia 2000" is taking place across eight of the country's 24 states. It began on Saturday and will take place gradually. Authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro said "Venezuela remain alert, with operational cohesion and willingness to defend its national territory."

Top official Diosdado Cabello said earlier this week that Venezuelans are "peaceful" but warned that they have been "actively" preparing "in all fronts to resist, for as long as needed, from the attacks that want to be conducted on the country."

Cabello also made a threat to the U.S., saying that Washington has "no idea who they're facing-" "We'll eat them alive," he added.

Speaking at an event after checking troops and defense systems in different states, Cabello struck a defiant tone when addressing the tensions: "How much did it cost to the Spaniards taking the Caracas valley when facing Guaicapuro? 70 years! 70 years of fighting against our native people, who answered with body, soul, bravery and dignity," he added.

Cabello went on to say that even if the U.S. invades the country, "those who set foot in our land must know that we will kick you out."

In this context, the U.S. continues to increase its presence in the region, now seeking to install military equipment in Grenada, a country 100 miles from Venezuela.

The country's government said it is "carefully reviewing" the request. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development confirms that a request for the temporary installation of a radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport was received from the Government of the United States of America," the government said in a statement. It added that "any decisions will be made only after all technical and legal assessments are completed."

It is the latest development in the Trump administration's escalation in the Caribbean. Several reports throughout the week have detailed other moves, including that there are now 10,000 troops deployed in the region. They are in Puerto Rico and aboard eight surface warships and a submarine.

Forces have been conducting drills and the U.S. has struck at least four vessels officials claim were carrying drugs that were ultimately set to reach the U.S.

The U.S. has also reportedly moved several military helicopters off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago.