Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordered the mobilization of 4.5 million militiamen across the nation on Monday in direct response to escalating tensions with the United States.
According to a CNN report, Maduro's announcement came after the US doubled the reward for his arrest to $50 million and amid reports of American naval deployments aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the region. The move highlights ongoing hostilities between Washington and Caracas, where diplomatic ties have been severed since 2019.
Maduro described the US actions as extravagant and bizarre threats during a televised address to governors and mayors. He vowed that no empire would touch Venezuela's sacred soil or that of South America.
Maduro Bolsters National Defenses
Maduro outlined a special plan to activate armed militias nationwide, emphasizing their role in defending seas, skies, and lands. He also announced intentions to establish peasant and worker militias in factories and workplaces across the country.
The Venezuelan leader stated, “Missiles and rifles for the working class, to defend our homeland.” This rhetoric underscores his strategy to incorporate civilians into the defense framework amid perceived external threats.
The Venezuelan Militia, founded by late President Hugo Chávez in 2005 and formalized in 2010, forms part of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces with a focus on organized civilian participation for national defense. Official figures indicate the armed forces include 95,000 to 150,000 active combatants plus a growing militia of hundreds of thousands of potential reservists.
US Clarifies Naval Operations
Last week, US officials confirmed to media outlets that naval movements in Latin America and the Caribbean were ordered to counter drug trafficking threats. A separate report indicated three US Navy destroyers and about 4,000 personnel might reach the edge of Venezuela's territorial waters soon.
However, a US Department of Defense official clarified on Tuesday that no American ships are currently in the area and none have received orders to deploy there. Venezuela's extensive coastline of nearly 2,500 miles adds complexity to any potential maritime confrontations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed questions about possible troop deployments, stating that President Donald Trump is prepared to use all elements of American power to halt drug inflows and hold responsible parties accountable. She reaffirmed the US stance that Maduro is not a legitimate president.
Venezuela Rejects Drug Allegations
The Trump administration recently labeled Maduro as one of the world's largest drug traffickers and head of the Cartel of the Suns, posing a threat to US national security. This prompted the reward increase for information leading to his arrest.
Venezuelan authorities dismissed these claims as threats and defamation in an official statement. Key figures like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello called the cartel an invention by the US, while Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López categorically rejected the accusations as ridiculous.
According to military analysis from Global Fire Power, Venezuela ranks 50th in global military power among 145 countries for 2025. In contrast, the United States holds the top position, followed by Russia and China.
Tensions Escalate Regional Standoff
Maduro's mobilization reflects a broader strategy to rally national support against what he terms rotten rehashes of US threats, without detailing specifics. His speech emphasized liberation and patrol of Venezuelan territories to prevent foreign incursions.
The US position ties the naval activities to anti-drug efforts, with Leavitt's comments underscoring Trump's consistent approach to border security. Both sides continue to exchange rejections, maintaining a standoff that has persisted without formal diplomacy.
Venezuela's government and Chavista leaders have unified in denouncing the bounty and related allegations. This unity aims to bolster internal cohesion amid international pressure.
