Russia's Northern Fleet task force on Dec. 1 left port to start the VenRus-2008 joint exercises with the Venezuelan navy in the Caribbean Sea, RIA Novosti reported, citing a Russian navy spokesman. The task force, led by the Pyotr Velikiy (099) nuclear-powered battle cruiser, left the Venezeulan port of La Gauira at 1200 GMT, and the exercises will begin in a few hours, the spokesman said. Russian destroyer Admiral Chabanenko and two support vessels, with about 1,600 sailors total, will take part in the drills. Venezuela is sending three frigates, an amphibious transport vessel, four patrol boats, four coastal defense vessels, several naval aviation units and a Su-30MK2 fighter squadron to take part in the two-day exercises.