Maduro Mobilizes 4.5 Million Militia Members Amid US Pressure

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced plans to mobilize 4.5 million militia members in response to what he described as “threats” from the United States. This declaration comes shortly after Washington increased the bounty for his arrest to $50 million and intensified anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.

In a televised address, Maduro stated, “This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory—militias that are prepared, activated, and armed.” Official reports indicate that the Venezuelan militia, originally established by Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez, has approximately 5 million members, although estimates suggest the actual number may be lower. Venezuela’s population stands at around 30 million.

Maduro criticized the United States for what he termed “extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish threats.” The Trump administration recently doubled the financial reward for information leading to his capture due to drug trafficking charges. Washington alleges that Maduro leads a cocaine trafficking operation known as the Cartel de los Soles. In response to these allegations, the US has imposed sanctions on Maduro’s administration.

The US military has reportedly deployed several naval vessels to the southern Caribbean as part of a broader strategy against Latin American drug cartels. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello commented, “We are also deployed throughout the Caribbean…in our sea, our property, Venezuelan territory.”

While Maduro did not directly address the recent US actions, he expressed gratitude to those who have shown support against what he called the “rotten refrain” of threats. He urged his political base to advance the establishment of peasant and worker militias across various sectors. “Rifles and missiles for the peasant force! To defend the territory, sovereignty, and peace of Venezuela,” he declared emphatically.

The escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela highlight the complexities of international relations in the region. As both nations continue to assert their positions, the mobilization of Venezuelan militia forces underscores Maduro’s commitment to counter what he perceives as external aggression.

This situation remains dynamic and may have significant implications for regional stability and security.