National civil defense exercises were staged across Venezuela on Saturday to prepare the public for emergencies and safeguard the country's national sovereignty. The emergency drills took place in all states and the capital Caracas, with over 400 designated drill points across the country. The drills involved the army, militia, police, fire services and civil defense forces, simulating various scenarios such as in schools, subways, hospitals and government buildings. The drills were announced on Thursday, following multiple earthquakes and lethal U.S. strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats earlier this month. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro emphasized on Saturday that the nationwide drills aim to create a perfect fusion of the people, the Armed Forces and the police, safeguarding Venezuela's national sovereignty. Tensions in the Caribbean Sea have escalated after the United States deployed warships near the coast of Venezuela earlier this month, which Washington describes as part of its strategy to fight the international drug cartels. On Sept 2, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a military strike in international waters on a vessel allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing 11 people onboard, whom Trump described as all "positively identified Tren de Aragua (TDA) Narcoterrorists". Shotlist: Caracas, Venezuela - Sept 27, 2025: 1. Various of emergency drills in progress, participants talking; 2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Angelica Aguilar, participant (ending with shot 3): "We're practicing first aid for frontline personnel. In response to external threats to our country, everyone is being mobilized and undergoing repeated training. We must be fully prepared."; 3. Various of participants practicing first aid; 4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jesus Rivas, participant (starting with shot 3): "I believe that one day the United States will recognize that every nation and every country has the right to make their own democratic and independent choices."; 5. Participants; 6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Oscar Quevedo, Brigadier General, Venezuelan Presidential Guard Brigade (ending with shot 7): "The drills are a direct response to the current threat [from the U.S.] The President has made it clear: the greater the pressure, the more training we will conduct. We are heeding the call, engaging the masses through the fusion of the public, military and police, practicing and rehearsing repeatedly to be ready for any emergency or threat."; 7. Various of participants practicing first aid; 8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Carmen Melendez, mayor, Caracas (ending with shot 9): "Venezuela has endured the impacts of war, economic warfare and unilateral sanctions. Our people are prepared. We urge the United States to think twice before taking further actions."; 9. Various of participants evacuating. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]