In Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the full-scale mobilization of the South American country’s militia forces. This decision follows the announcement by the United States to deploy military assets to the waters along Latin America. Venezuelan government quickly condemned the US announcement, defending its sovereignty and expressing willingness to defend its territory.
In a televised address, Maduro responded to the US threats with his own terrifying attack, declaring them “extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish”. He rejected them all, calling them “rotten rehashes” of past charges made against his own administration. He wanted to make it very clear that the Venezuelan government is absolutely clear and determined to avoid any foreign intervention.
It is Maduro’s intent to militarize peasants and workers militias in each factory or workplace in Venezuela. This effort is focused toward increasing the country’s national defense. He announced the deployment of 4.5 million militiamen throughout the country, stating, “This week I am going to activate a special plan to guarantee coverage with more than 4.5 million militiamen throughout the national territory.” He further declared, “Militias prepared, activated, and armed.”
In March 2020, the US government increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest from $25 million to $50 million. This major increase raised the stakes considerably. The US administration has labeled Maduro as “one of the world’s largest drug traffickers” and accused him of leading the notorious Cartel of the Suns. The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear just three weeks ago when she announced that Maduro “is not a legitimate president.” It was a helpful reminder of President Trump’s uncompromising determination to battle drug traffickers. President (Donald) Trump has been very clear, very consistent on that front,” she said. Believe me, he’s looking to deploy every tool of American power. His priorities should be to prevent drugs from flowing into our country and hold those responsible accountable.
Venezuela’s geographical positioning—where maneuver under the cover of just under 2,500 miles of coastline is possible—further complicates and challenges Venezuela’s potential defense strategies. As of 2021, the country is placed 50th in military power according to Global Fire Power’s website. This places it as arguably one of the weakest military powers when compared to other nations.
Against this backdrop, a number of well-known Chavista personalities have come forward to defend Maduro against the accusations. They are shoring up their unconditional support for his leadership. Maduro reassured his supporters during his address, affirming, “We defend our seas, our skies, and our lands. We liberated them. We guard and patrol them. No empire will touch the sacred soil of Venezuela, nor should it touch the sacred soil of South America.”
Yet the rapidly deteriorating relationship between Venezuela and the United States continues from 2019 when formal diplomatic relations were formally severed. Recent military advances have brought the two countries to the brink of war. Venezuela Iran is expanding its military readiness to address threats from an externally perceived “imperialist” foe.
