Venezuela holds "anti-imperialist" defense drill

 Venezuela on Friday started a two-day "civil-military" drill to strengthen its defenses against potential foreign threats.

As part of the drill, the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB), in conjunction with the Boliviarian National Militia, firefighters and civil protection agencies, would carry out "rapid action" troop maneuvers with the participation of community organizations, the Venezuelan News Agency said.

"This is a comprehensive anti-imperialist exercise to prepare the people for the defense of the nation," Remigio Ceballos, a senior

military commander, told state-run VTV.

The drill, with more than 115,000 men and women nationwide participating, and involving air, naval and land contingents, would also help strengthen the country's combat readiness, said Ceballos.

source: Xinhua