Background on Nicolás Maduro and His Relevance
Nicolás Maduro, the current president of Venezuela, has been in power since 2013, succeeding the late Hugo Chávez. Although not recognized as the legitimate president by the United States, key democracies in America, and the European Union, Maduro maintains control over Venezuela. His rule has been marked by political and economic turmoil, including hyperinflation, food shortages, and mass emigration.
Military Deployment and Gun Training Announcement
On Thursday, Maduro announced that he would send military personnel to popular neighborhoods for gun training among the population. This move comes amid rising tensions with the United States, following the deployment of warships in the Caribbean.
According to Maduro, the US aims to invade Venezuela. He previously called upon volunteers from the Milicia, a civilian militia force, to train at military barracks. Maduro stated, “On September 20, the army will go to the people, to the communities, to train everyone who has enlisted—neighbors and neighbors—in handling firearms systems.”
Context of US Naval Deployment
In early September, the United States dispatched a naval flotilla to the eastern Caribbean, citing the fight against drug trafficking. The fleet consists of seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, with support from F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico.
The US government accuses Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and has offered a $10 million reward for his capture. Maduro, however, denies these allegations and claims that the US intends to overthrow his government and seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and significant natural gas resources.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Nicolás Maduro? Nicolás Maduro is the current president of Venezuela, who succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013. He is not recognized as the legitimate president by the United States, key democracies in America, and the European Union.
- Why are tensions rising between Venezuela and the US? Tensions escalated after the United States deployed warships to the Caribbean, citing the fight against drug trafficking. The US accuses Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and aims to overthrow his government.
- What is the significance of Maduro’s announcement to deploy military personnel for gun training? Maduro claims this move is a precaution against potential US aggression. He believes the US intends to invade Venezuela and seize its natural resources.
- What is the nature of the US naval deployment in the Caribbean? The United States dispatched a fleet of seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine to the eastern Caribbean, supported by F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico. The US claims this deployment is part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking.
