Caracas: The US Embassy in Caracas conducted an evacuation drill Saturday involving two helicopters. The exercise took place in the Baruta district of the Venezuelan capital and featured the use of MV-22 Osprey military aircraft, known for their ability to take off and land vertically as well as fly horizontally.

According to Anadolu Agency, the drill involved aircraft carrying military personnel who flew around the embassy while fire and ambulance teams entered the building. The embassy announced on the US social media platform X that the exercise was part of maintaining the military's rapid response capability, which is essential for mission readiness both in Venezuela and globally.

Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the two aircraft were expected to conduct controlled flights over Caracas and perform landing operations at the embassy's compound, located in a mountainous area. Rodriguez assumed her role following a statement by US President Donald Trump in early January, claiming that American forces had executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who was taken to New York to face charges.

The Venezuelan government confirmed that the drill was coordinated with Venezuelan aviation authorities, responsible for flight authorization and oversight, along with other institutions involved in security and response protocols. Prior to the drill, a small group of pro-late President Hugo Chavez demonstrators protested in another part of Caracas, displaying a Venezuelan flag with the message: "No to the Yankee drill."