Nicolás Maduro, the ruler of Venezuela, declared on Monday that he would be deploying 4.5 million militia members as a reaction to what he described as "outrageous threats" from the United States. This announcement follows Washington's decision to increase the bounty for information leading to his capture to $50 million.
In a broadcast across national networks, Maduro claimed that the militias are "prepared, activated, and armed," and announced a special plan to ensure their deployment throughout the entire country. "Rifles and missiles for the farming forces! To defend Venezuela's territory, sovereignty, and peace. Missiles and rifles for the working class, to protect our homeland!" Maduro exclaimed.
The Bolivarian Militia, established by Hugo Chávez and now consisting of approximately 5 million reservists, is integrated into the five branches of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB). It comprises armed civilians, public officials, retired military personnel, and workers from organizations aligned with Chavismo, all of whom have received military training.
This announcement from Maduro comes amid heightened tensions due to a U.S. anti-drug operation in the Caribbean, which includes the deployment of warships near Venezuelan waters. The Trump administration views the Venezuelan leader as the head of the so-called "Cartel of the Suns" and a national security threat.
Maduro's militaristic rhetoric is not new; he has previously warned that Venezuela would become the "Vietnam of the 21st century" if faced with foreign intervention. In this latest address, he also urged Chavista bases to speed up the formation of rural and industrial militias "in every factory and workplace throughout the country."
This speech underscores Maduro's strategy of strengthening the military and political components of Chavismo in the face of international pressure, though analysts suggest that the militia's real operational capabilities are limited compared to the U.S. military prowess. The U.S. has stationed military forces in the Caribbean and increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million. Washington has labeled the Cartel of the Suns a terrorist organization, sanctioning its leaders, freezing their assets, and prohibiting financial transactions with them.
According to U.S. authorities, this cartel, made up of high-ranking Venezuelan officials, uses its position to facilitate drug shipments to the U.S., collaborating with groups such as the Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Understanding the Venezuela-U.S. Tensions
What prompted Maduro to deploy the militia?
Maduro deployed the militia in response to what he perceives as threats from the United States, particularly after the U.S. increased a bounty for his capture to $50 million.
What is the Bolivarian Militia?
The Bolivarian Militia is a group established by Hugo Chávez, now part of Venezuela’s armed forces and made up of armed civilians, public officials, retired military personnel, and workers from pro-chavista organizations.
Why does the U.S. view Maduro as a threat?
The U.S. considers Maduro a threat due to his leadership of the "Cartel of the Suns," which is involved in drug trafficking operations that pose a national security risk to the United States.