Venezuela is actively training its civilian militia, a force established in 2009, in response to escalating tensions with the United States. President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the military to conduct training exercises, bringing military readiness directly to local communities. This initiative comes after US Navy ships were deployed to the South Caribbean for counter-narcotics operations, which Venezuela’s defense minister has labeled an “undeclared war.”
Edith Perales, a 68-year-old militia member, embodies the commitment of many citizens, stating readiness to defend their territory. The militia, largely composed of older citizens and volunteers from poorer neighborhoods, often lacks extensive combat experience but shows strong enthusiasm for national defense. Training sessions in Caracas include familiarization with weapons like the AK-103 rifle, with soldiers providing instruction and encouragement.
While the government portrays a united front against foreign aggression, particularly from the US under President Trump’s administration, daily life in many parts of the capital appears largely unaffected. Political analysts suggest Maduro’s militia mobilization may serve as a “human shield” strategy, aiming to increase the potential human cost of any US military intervention. Despite a significant increase in the reward for Maduro’s capture and accusations of his government’s ties to drug cartels, Venezuela continues to maintain its stance against US interference. The militia’s role has historically been more for political displays, but current circumstances have prompted a renewed focus on their defensive capabilities, even as international observers question the government’s figures on militia enlistment.
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