Venezuela on Saturday organized a nationwide military training program for the public, dispatching soldiers to more than 5,300 communities across the country to conduct basic military skills training amid escalating tensions with the United States in the Caribbean.
The United States has deployed several naval warships in the Caribbean Sea near the waters of Venezuela under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking networks in Latin America, leading to continued tensions between the two countries.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday said the program was one of the actions taken by the country in response to the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean and to safeguard peace and sovereignty.
The program not only consolidated the unity between the army and the people, but also enabled the Venezuelan people to complete tactical preparations, according to Maduro.
"All issues should be resolved through politics and dialogue, rather than resorting to force or imposing will. Therefore, we will absolutely not allow the United States to infringe upon or interfere with us," said Vladimir Padrino Lopez, Venezuelan defense minister.
"We declare this to the world that Venezuela deserves respect. We are not, and will never be, a colony of any empire, nor will we allow anyone to trample on Venezuela's sovereignty," said Cortez, a local resident.
Venezuela launches nationwide military training program for public
A representative of the Iranian sports community on Friday condemned the United States and Israel for attacking the country's civilian facilities, saying that such acts constitute a flagrant violation of international law.
The remarks were made at a press conference held amid the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex, where a 12,000-seat stadium, primarily used for volleyball matches, was destroyed in a U.S. -Israeli strike on March 5.
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the dormitory and new building of Iran's Cycling Federation, as well as a main swimming pool and parts of the Rowing Federation located in the complex, were also destroyed in the attack.
"We emphasize that sports activities are purely civilian in nature, and sports venues are places for training, competition, and public gatherings. Under no circumstances should they be regarded as military targets. Attacks on such venues must cease immediately. Under international law, striking sports facilities constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. The protection of civilian areas is not an option but an international obligation. Respect for humanitarian principles should not be limited by geographical location," said Tajernia, a representative of the Iranian sporting community.
Multiple explosions rocked northeastern Tehran at around 16:00 on Friday, according to a China Media Group (CMG) crew reporting from the city. The sounds of fighter jets and air raid sirens were heard.
Citing Iranian sources, China Media Group (CMG) said the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple locations across Iran on Friday afternoon, including Shahid Beheshti University and Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.
Multiple explosions rocked northeastern Tehran at around 16:00, according to the CMG crew reporting from the city. The sounds of fighter jets and air raid sirens were heard.
An attack on south Iran's port of Chabahar killed one person, damaged four vessels, and destroyed several buildings. The strike marked the second assault on the port within 24 hours.
Iranian sports community condemns U.S.-Israeli strikes on civilian facilities
