Story perspectives

US Osprey Drill in Caracas Signals New Oil-Mining Access

5/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States held a military exercise in Caracas since the January 3 attack that killed 100 people.
General Francis Donovan of U.S. Southern Command landed an MV-22B Osprey near the embassy for an evacuation drill.
Venezuelan officials said the drill was for emergencies and that Delcy Rodriguez’s government opened oil and mining to U.S. firms.
The U.S. embassy affirmed its commitment to President Donald Trump's three-phase plan to stabilize Venezuela.

History

Historical Context

During the April 2002 Venezuelan crisis, U.S. officials received advance warnings of a coup, the CIA issued an April 6 report, and Washington briefly recognized Pedro Carmona as president after Hugo Chávez was forced out for 47 hours; about 150,000 people marched on the palace. In April 2024, General Francis Donovan flew an MV-22B Osprey to the U.S. embassy for an evacuation drill, echoing the lingering U.S.–Venezuela tension.

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Story summary

The United States held a military exercise in Caracas since the January 3 attack that killed 100 people.
General Francis Donovan of U.S. Southern Command landed an MV-22B Osprey near the embassy for an evacuation drill.
Venezuelan officials said the drill was for emergencies and that Delcy Rodriguez’s government opened oil and mining to U.S. firms.
The U.S. embassy affirmed its commitment to President Donald Trump's three-phase plan to stabilize Venezuela.

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