Venezuela announced Tuesday that it was launching a massive military exercise across the country, reportedly involving some 200,000 forces, in response to the increasing presence of U.S. military assets in the region. The announcement by Venezuela's military came as the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford had entered the Southern Command's area of responsibility — which includes the Caribbean.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense said the exercise launched Tuesday involved the deployment of land, air and sea assets.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said on Venezuelan state TV that 200,000 troops were involved in the exercise, according to the French news agency, AFP.

Members of the Venezuelan Armed Forces participate in the "Plan Inde

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