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href="http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Venezuela-Ends-Two-Days-of-Civilian-Miitary-Exercises-Against-Trumps-Threats-20170827-0017.html">http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Venezuela-Ends-Two-Days-of-Civilian-Miitary-Exercises-Against-Trumps-Threats-20170827-0017.html</a></font>
<h1 id="reader-title">Venezuela Ends Two Days of Civilian
Miitary Exercises Against Trump's Threats<br>
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<div id="reader-estimated-time">August 27, 2017<br>
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<p>Thousands of troops and civilians have held joint
exercises across Venezuela on the second and final day
of a mobilization called Bolivarian Sovereignty 2017.</p>
<p>The government said the exercises were intended to show
that Venezuela wants peace, but that the people and the
Venezuelan Armed Forces, or FANB, are united and
prepared to face any aggression. They were called after
the U.S. president, Donald Trump, said on Aug. 11 that
he was ready to consider "a military option" against the
Venezuelan government. </p>
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<p>In the central state of Cojedes, soldiers accompanied
by armed vehicles and airforce fighter jets "repulsed" a
simulated attack. Members of the civilian militia drawn
from local communities carried out support tasks for
paratroopers.</p>
<p>Also on the second day of the exercises, the Armed
Forces' logistical units carried out joint operations
with local community food committees, known as CLAPs.
The aim was to develop mechanisms that would ensure food
supplies to Venezuelan troops and civilians in the event
of any military aggression.</p>
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<p>The government says over 900,000 people, including
troops and civilians, took part in the two days of
maneuvers. </p>
<p>Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said
the mobilization of the Venezuelan people had been
impressive. "This gives a positive signal of our
people's capacity to respond," he said.</p>
<p>“The American empire responds to Venezuelan democracy
with greater aggression,” Lopez said, alluding to new
Washington-imposed sanctions against Venezuela on
Friday.</p>
<p>“We must understand the broad concept of what
sovereignty is, the capacity of a state, a nation and
its government to make their own decisions. This country
will follow the course that Venezuelans themselves
decide upon,” he added, slamming U.S. attempts to
interfere in the country’s affairs. </p>
<p>The nationwide exercises included ground excursions,
combat readiness, mobilization and weapons training. </p>
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