US Marines Practice Using FPV Drones near Venezuela amid Possible War

US Marines are practicing the use of FPV strike drones at a base in Puerto Rico, near Venezuela.

The training is taking place against the backdrop of a potential US war against Venezuela, Defence Blog writes.

The 2nd Marine Division and the Marine Corps Attack Drone Group at Camp Santiago are training the Archer FPV drones.

The exercise focuses on the operational certification of crews for Archer attack drones manufactured by California-based defense company Neros Technologies.

Archer can perform strike and reconnaissance missions. The FPV drone can carry a 2 kg payload (e.g., ammunition) up to 20 kilometers.

The Marine Corps noted that this activity supports the broader mission of the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), as well as Pentagon-led operations aimed at combating transnational crime, including drug trafficking.

The situation around Venezuela

Since August, the United States has begun a large-scale build-up of its military presence near Venezuela. This includes the presence of warships, aircraft, and special forces.

In mid-November, it was reported that senior US military officials presented updated options for potential operations, including ground strikes.

On November 14, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagel officially announced the launch of the Southern Spear military operation aimed at fighting drug cartels in Latin America at Trump’s orders.

The main goal is to neutralize “narco-terrorist” groups operating in the Western Hemisphere and to cut off drug supply channels to the United States.

The operation is coordinated by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear in cooperation with the US South American Command (SOUTHCOM).

Shortly thereafter, the United States designated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government as members of a foreign terrorist organization.