US evacuation drill at Caracas embassy draws Venezuelan backlash

On 23 May, the United States carried out a military evacuation exercise at its embassy in Caracas. Two MV‑22B Osprey aircraft landed at the diplomatic mission, and roughly 20 personnel—including Southern Command commander Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan—participated in the drill. The U.S. embassy described the operation as a "military response exercise" aimed at supporting the White House’s three‑phase plan for stabilising Venezuela.

Venezuelan authorities labeled the event a "simulacro de evacuación" and the activity was closely monitored by Baruta police and the national intelligence service (SEBIN). Local residents gathered to watch the aircraft, while pro‑Chávez activists, including Delcy Rodríguez, condemned the exercise as a humiliation and urged references to Hugo Chávez to calm dissent.

The episode highlights ongoing tensions between the interim Venezuelan government and the United States, underscoring both security concerns and political friction surrounding foreign diplomatic presence in the country.