Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro Mobilizes 4.5 Million Militia Members Amidst U.S. ‘Threats’: What It Means for the Region

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro recently announced plans to activate 4.5 million militia members. This is a direct response to what he calls “outrageous threats” from the United States, which has increased the bounty for his arrest to $50 million and intensified anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.

Maduro revealed his plans on state television, saying these militia members are ready and armed. His predecessors, including Hugo Chavez, established the militia, which is said to have about 5 million members, although estimates suggest it might be smaller. With a population of around 30 million, this shows a significant portion of Venezuelans are organized in militias.

The context is noteworthy. The Trump administration recently doubled the bounty for Maduro’s arrest due to drug trafficking charges. The U.S. government believes Maduro leads a drug trafficking ring known as the Cartel de los Soles, and sanctions have been imposed against him and his administration. Just last month, Trump ordered military action against drug cartels in Latin America, deploying ships to the Caribbean to enforce this crackdown.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello echoed Maduro’s sentiments, asserting Venezuelan territorial sovereignty amid these developments. The gathering of militia members isn’t just a response to U.S. threats but is also aimed at building a stronger local defense force. Maduro urged the creation of worker and peasant militias across industries, promoting a message of armed preparedness to ensure national security.

Social media reactions reflect a mix of support and criticism. While some users express solidarity with Maduro’s stance, others are skeptical about the effectiveness and safety of such large militant groups. In a broader context, similar military mobilizations have been seen throughout history in times of national crisis.

The U.S. seizure of a plane belonging to Maduro last September further highlights ongoing tensions and accusations against his regime. This backdrop creates a complex narrative of international politics, local governance, and the challenges faced by ordinary Venezuelans.

Through this lens, it’s evident that the interplay of threats, both perceived and real, continues to shape Venezuela’s current political landscape.



Source link

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela