Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is prepared to announce a state of emergency. For now, he appears to be responding to the mounting pressure from the United States. This announcement follows a series of joint military exercises in Venezuela. It shows the extent of the government’s concerns over potential US military intervention in the country.
During a recent military parade in Caracas, armed forces danced the choreography to demonstrate their military prowess. Maduro heralded the occasion as the “unification of an empowered people.” The parade featured Venezuela’s military hardware, including the country’s Russian-made fighter jets, as a show of might against the increasing international isolation and pressures.
In the past weeks, Venezuela’s military has stepped up training drills in residential communities. These exercises aim to equip militias with the skills needed to handle weapons and defend their communities against perceived foreign threats. Carlos Caravallo, a 39-year-old fisherman, is the most recent recruit to join the civilian militia. He has increased his engagement and is in regular training sessions.
“I don’t know how prepared they are for a missile, but what I can say is that there are people who are organizing,” said Caravallo, highlighting the local community’s commitment to defense.
The US has indicted Maduro on drug trafficking charges. Just last week, they increased the bounty for his capture to an unbelievable $50 million. To counter these accusations, Maduro has categorically rejected any connection or involvement in narco-trafficking. He interprets his possible declaration of a state of emergency as necessary. In his foreign policy, he professes some lofty ideals – he wants to defend Venezuela from foreign aggression.
Maduro’s administration has framed this declaration as a means to safeguard the nation’s “territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, and vital strategic interests.” Delcy Rodríguez, Vice President of Venezuela, underscored the significance of the declaration by calling it. It would give Maduro the authority to close borders and launch coast guard and other military security initiatives.
The backdrop of these developments includes discussions within the US government regarding military strikes against drug cartels operating in Venezuela. Just this year, U.S. military operations have bombed ships moving drugs allegedly. These actions have led to the deaths of over a dozen suspected traffickers.
In recent days, the Venezuelan government has denounced the deployment of US warships in the Caribbean. Argentinian sailors. In counterpart, military operations have taken place across the region in the Caribbean that have activated militia members and soldiers around the country. This extraordinary show of force highlights the government’s determination to protect itself against what it sees as existential threats coming from the US.
Aside from the military displays, more than 100 fishermen participated in an act of civil disobedience. Their peaceful demonstration included anchoring their boats in an “X” formation across the entrance to Juan Griego Bay, Margarita. The purpose of the demonstration was to call out violence and state their intentions to protect their communities.
“We are preparing along three lines: the comprehensive defense of the nation, the active resistance of the people, and the permanent offensive of an entire country,” Maduro stated, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to national defense.
Tensions have been sharply rising between Venezuela and the US since January. Maduro’s likely upcoming declaration of a state of emergency would alter their dynamic and challenge regional stability.
