Venezuela Authorizes US Military Aircraft to Fly Over Capital for Embassy Evacuation Drill

Venezuela stated today that it has officially approved a flight mission for US military aircraft to conduct an 'embassy evacuation drill' over the capital, Caracas. This move carries high symbolic significance, coming just four months after US forces conducted airstrikes on the city. AFP reported that Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced: 'In response to a request from the US Embassy, authorities have approved an evacuation drill to be held on Saturday, May 23, to prepare for potential medical emergencies or major disasters.' In a statement released on state television, Gil noted: 'During the exercise, two aircraft will conduct flight maneuvers over Caracas following controlled routes and land within the US Embassy compound.' US forces typically use helicopters for evacuation missions. This flight exercise symbolizes the dramatic shift in relations between the US and Venezuela since the overthrow of hardline socialist leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Maduro's fall paved the way for a lightning reconciliation between Washington and Caracas. After seven years of severed ties under Maduro, the two countries announced the restoration of diplomatic relations on March 5. Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, took over as interim president and, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, quickly pushed through legislation to fully open Venezuela's vital oil and mining sectors to foreign investment. In return, Trump eased sanctions on Venezuela.