Venezuela's coastal regions east of Caracas—the states of Zulia, Falcón, and Aragua—have been placed on high alert, local media reported, citing a decree issued by President Nicolás Maduro.

The authorities have activated Independence Plan 200 to ensure the defense of these territories from potential external threats. Military units have been tasked with deploying, assessing, and preparing for 27 key actions to defend the country.

The army command asked the population to take into account the movement of troops to strategic points on the coast and to refrain from filming these maneuvers.

"We are activated in the Independence Plan 200 in Zulia, Falcón and Aragua to carry out the development, deployment, evaluation and preparation of 27 fundamental tasks or actions to guarantee the full defense capability of the Venezuelan territory," — Maduro said on Telegram.

The decision comes amid recent US strikes on ships off the Venezuelan coast, which Washington has linked to drug cartels. Caracas denies the allegations and is increasing its troop presence in coastal areas.