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'Don't make the mistake of attacking us' - DefMin Padrino warns as Venezuela marks 105 years of Bolivarian Military Aviation

'Don't make the mistake of attacking us' - DefMin Padrino warns as Venezuela marks 105 years of Bolivarian Military Aviation

"Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez affirmed the nation's readiness to defend its sovereignty against foreign aggression during a speech in Maracay on Thursday, marking the 105th anniversary of the Bolivarian Military Aviation (AMB). Footage captures members of the Bolivarian Air Force performing flyovers and military drills before Padrino's speech. "Do not make the mistake of attacking Venezuela. Do not make the mistake of coming for the people of Venezuela, because the people of Venezuela are ready. They are always ready alongside their armed forces to give the response that must be given," Padrino told the troops. "We are ready for everything. We are ready for combat, we are ready to die," he continued. "We are ready, willing to respond to any aggression against the people of Venezuela, against its sovereignty, against its territorial integrity. And the Bolivarian Military Aviation knows that it must strike hard, wherever it must strike." The Defence Minister then denounced what he described as 'submissive' Latin American governments. "There are submissive governments, you know them. You know, who lend themselves to the imperialist game, to militarise the Caribbean, to turn the Caribbean into a closed sea for their interests," Padrino claimed. "I tell those heads of government from here to stop acting against the sentiment of their peoples. The people of Latin America and the Caribbean do not want war. The people of Latin America and the Caribbean want peace," he stressed. This comes after the United States announced it will 'provisionally' use two airports in the Dominican Republic as part of Operation Lanza del Sur, a military deployment aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Since September 2, the United States military has carried out 21 attacks in international waters, destroying 22 boats allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific. These operations, conducted without judicial procedures or a congressional declaration of war, have reportedly resulted in 83 deaths."

Never forgotten - Majestically adorned PINK elephants march in Bangkok procession to honour late Thai Queen Mother Sirikit

Never forgotten - Majestically adorned PINK elephants march in Bangkok procession to honour late Thai Queen Mother Sirikit

"11 pink-painted elephants marched through Bangkok on Thursday, leading a procession to honour the late Queen Mother Sirikit. Footage shows attendees taking pictures with the majestically adorned elephants. The animals can be seen roaring, raising their trunks, and bowing to pay respect to the late Queen Mother outside the Grand Palace. A group of mourners carrying flags and banners in traditional Thai attire marched in formation. "Today, Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and the Phra Phutthabar Foundation will join with elephant owners from all over the country who are elephant camps and elephant keepers in the name of the Kachasarn Khu Phaendin group and will bring 11 elephants from Ayutthaya Elephant Palace," elephant camp administrator Khun Khao said. The late queen’s portrait was placed high on the back of one elephant, whose gold-adorned tusks and traditional caparisons were displayed during the march. The Royal Elephant Kraal Village organised the pastel pachyderms, to mimic albino elephants, which are considered auspicious. The event comes amid an ongoing, year-long mourning period which was declared following her death in October at age 93 and was inspired by her love for the largest living land animals."

Never forgotten - Majestically adorned PINK elephants march in Bangkok procession to honour late Thai Queen Mother Sirikit

Never forgotten - Majestically adorned PINK elephants march in Bangkok procession to honour late Thai Queen Mother Sirikit

"11 pink-painted elephants marched through Bangkok on Thursday, leading a procession to honour the late Queen Mother Sirikit. Footage shows attendees taking pictures with the majestically adorned elephants. The animals can be seen roaring, raising their trunks, and bowing to pay respect to the late Queen Mother outside the Grand Palace. A group of mourners carrying flags and banners in traditional Thai attire marched in formation. "Today, Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and the Phra Phutthabar Foundation will join with elephant owners from all over the country who are elephant camps and elephant keepers in the name of the Kachasarn Khu Phaendin group and will bring 11 elephants from Ayutthaya Elephant Palace," elephant camp administrator Khun Khao said. The late queen’s portrait was placed high on the back of one elephant, whose gold-adorned tusks and traditional caparisons were displayed during the march. The Royal Elephant Kraal Village organised the pastel pachyderms, to mimic albino elephants, which are considered auspicious. The event comes amid an ongoing, year-long mourning period which was declared following her death in October at age 93 and was inspired by her love for the largest living land animals."

'United States always has an ace up its sleeve' - Santo Domingo residents split over temporary US access to Dominican air bases

'United States always has an ace up its sleeve' - Santo Domingo residents split over temporary US access to Dominican air bases

"Santo Domingo residents voiced mixed reactions on Thursday after President Luis Abinader allowed the United States temporary access to restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport (AILA) for anti-drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean. "If the criminals are from here or are bringing drugs in here, then yes, it is a benefit for us," said Liz de Leon, a resident. "For me, it is phenomenal, as long as it is to combat the development of narcotics sales," echoed another local, Francisco Antonio Cruz. Others opposed allowing foreign forces into the country. "I would not really support the president's decision because it goes against our rights," proclaimed Ricardo Jimenez. "They are very wrong to accept that the United States has all the privileges that the Dominican Republic has," argued Carmito Rodriguez. "If there are other objectives, I really do not know. But you know that the United States always has an ace up its sleeve," noted Virginia Ramirez. The decision, explained on Wednesday by President Abinader together with the US Secretary of Defence, states that US aircraft and technical personnel may use these facilities for logistical support, refuelling, and the transport of equipment and personnel in operations focused on combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. While the measure is being discussed in the country, Abinader's government declared that the permission is temporary and strictly logistical, emphasising that it does not involve military operations on Dominican ground, but only technical and transport assistance. "

'United States always has an ace up its sleeve' - Santo Domingo residents split over temporary US access to Dominican air bases

'United States always has an ace up its sleeve' - Santo Domingo residents split over temporary US access to Dominican air bases

"Santo Domingo residents voiced mixed reactions on Thursday after President Luis Abinader allowed the United States temporary access to restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport (AILA) for anti-drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean. "If the criminals are from here or are bringing drugs in here, then yes, it is a benefit for us," said Liz de Leon, a resident. "For me, it is phenomenal, as long as it is to combat the development of narcotics sales," echoed another local, Francisco Antonio Cruz. Others opposed allowing foreign forces into the country. "I would not really support the president's decision because it goes against our rights," proclaimed Ricardo Jimenez. "They are very wrong to accept that the United States has all the privileges that the Dominican Republic has," argued Carmito Rodriguez. "If there are other objectives, I really do not know. But you know that the United States always has an ace up its sleeve," noted Virginia Ramirez. The decision, explained on Wednesday by President Abinader together with the US Secretary of Defence, states that US aircraft and technical personnel may use these facilities for logistical support, refuelling, and the transport of equipment and personnel in operations focused on combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. While the measure is being discussed in the country, Abinader's government declared that the permission is temporary and strictly logistical, emphasising that it does not involve military operations on Dominican ground, but only technical and transport assistance. "

'Venezuela counts on you!' - Maduro orders Air Force to be 'alert, ready' to defend country after Trump threatens with 'easy... or hard way'

'Venezuela counts on you!' - Maduro orders Air Force to be 'alert, ready' to defend country after Trump threatens with 'easy... or hard way'

"Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered that the Armed Forces should stay "alert, ready and willing to defend our rights as a nation" after recent threats by Donald Trump and amid a US military buildup in the Caribbean. "Before this solemn act marking the 105 years since the founding of the Military Aviation and the 33 years since the birth of the Bolivarian character of our Bolivarian Military Aviation, I ask you to remain always unshaken in your serenity, alert, ready and willing to defend our rights as a nation, as a free and sovereign homeland," Maduro said. The Venezuelan leader went on to express his confidence in 'victory' if Venezuela had to declare itself a 'republic in arms'. "And I know that you will never fail Venezuela. I know that Venezuela counts on you if history were to demand it, that we would declare ourselves a republic in arms, once again history would see us rise, once again history would see us rise with the sacred standard of Miranda and Bolivar, the yellow, the blue, the red, the eight stars," he stated. The comments came during an event marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Bolivarian Military Aviation and after Trump had warned that Maduro could "do things the easy way… or the hard way". Washington has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean since September, in what it says is an effort to curb drug trafficking towards US shores.  Critics, including UN officials and human rights organisations, warn that any military action could constitute an unlawful use of force under international law.  Caracas repeatedly denied the allegations and urged Washington to halt its military actions in the Caribbean."