Venezuela conducted military exercises on Thursday in the Caribbean island of La Orchila.

The government said it's preparing its army after the activity of U.S. warships near its coasts.

It's the second of three days of drills in the island.

Defense minister Vladimir Padrino said Wednesday the exercises are part of an order given by President Nicolás Maduro to prepare for an alleged threat of a US invasion to force a change of government.

The Venezuelan army exercise includes 12 military ships, 22 aircraft, amphibious vehicles, anti-aircraft defense equipment, 2,300 infantrymen, and 20 small fishing boats operated by members of the militias—armed volunteers.