Civilians Join Venezuelan Military Reserve Amid U.S. Threat Concerns
President Nicolas Maduro calls for registration in the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian body affiliated with the Venezuelan military, amid perceived threats from the United States.
Background on the Bolivarian Militia
The Bolivarian Militia, named after the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, is a politically charged civilian force integrated into the Venezuelan military. With approximately 343,000 members as of 2020, it ranks similarly to Mexico’s military but is smaller than Colombia’s (428,000) and Brazil’s (762,000).
However, Maduro claims the Bolivarian Militia has over 4.5 million members. The militia’s registration centers are located in public and military buildings, including the presidential palace Miraflores in Caracas.
U.S. Navy Deployment and Accusations
Three U.S. destroyers equipped with missiles will be positioned in international waters off Venezuela’s coast. Washington claims these operations are aimed at combating drug trafficking, while Maduro views them as threats to his power.
- U.S. Navy Deployment: The U.S. has previously deployed in the Caribbean, but this situation coincides with an increased reward of $50 million for Maduro and accusations that he leads a narco-trafficking organization called the Cartel of the Suns, labeled as a terrorist group by President Donald Trump.
- Maduro’s Response: Maduro describes the mobilization as “immoral, criminal, and illegal,” claiming it aims for a regime change.
Public Reaction and Military Preparation
In Venezuela, the topic generates a mix of jokes and concern. Experts currently deem a direct U.S. operation against Venezuela unlikely.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López urged against “nervousness” and pledged, “We will defend this fatherland until our last breath.”
The opposition called for non-participation in the registration. Volunteers of all ages joined, including 19-year-old Jesús Bórquez and 78-year-old Omaira Hernández, who expressed their desire to contribute to the defense of the nation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Bolivarian Militia? The Bolivarian Militia is a civilian force integrated into the Venezuelan military, named after former President Hugo Chavez. It is politically charged and has approximately 343,000 members.
- Why are Venezuelans joining the military reserve? Civilians are joining the Bolivarian Militia amid concerns of a potential U.S. threat or invasion, as called for by President Nicolas Maduro.
- What is the U.S. Navy’s role in this situation? The U.S. Navy will deploy three destroyers equipped with missiles in international waters off Venezuela’s coast, which Washington claims is part of anti-drug trafficking operations. However, Maduro views this as a threat to his power.
- How is the Venezuelan public reacting to these developments? There’s a mix of jokes and concern in Venezuela regarding the U.S. Navy deployment and Maduro’s call for military reserve registration. Experts currently deem a direct U.S. operation against Venezuela unlikely.
