On Sunday, Venezuela's Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, announced the deployment of extra military forces to five crucial states along the country's Caribbean and Atlantic front. This move comes amid escalating tensions with the United States. Operating from what he described as an underground bunker belonging to the High Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), Padrino López stated that, following direct orders from Nicolás Maduro, additional "resources and forces" will be sent to the northwestern states of Zulia and Falcón, regions identified by Caracas as significant narcotrafficking routes.
The military chief specifically mentioned Venezuela's La Guajira and the Paraguaná Peninsula, highlighting them as critical corridors for smuggling and illicit transit. Additionally, he confirmed an increase in troop presence on the island states of Nueva Esparta—which includes Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua—as well as in Sucre and Delta Amacuro, positioned on the Atlantic front.
"No one is going to come and do the work for us. No one is going to step on this land to do what we are supposed to do," the minister declared in a message posted on his official X account, which was accompanied by a video showing military planning meetings.
Strengthening Troops and Surveillance
According to information shared by Padrino, the reinforcement involves expanding the so-called "Peace Zone No. 1." Initially staffed with 10,000 personnel, this zone has now been bolstered to 25,000 troops, supported by naval, riverine, and drone surveillance capabilities.
This announcement comes mere weeks after Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed the deployment of an additional 15,000 troops in Zulia and Táchira, which border Colombia, with the stated aim of "ensuring peace" and controlling criminal groups.
The deployment will also extend to the Sierra de Perijá and the state of Apure, where Caracas claims to combat armed organizations linked to narcotrafficking and Colombian paramilitarism.
Rising Tensions with Washington
This measure is happening amid increasing strain following President Donald Trump's order for a naval deployment in Caribbean waters, citing a need to combat drug trafficking. The White House has directly accused Maduro and senior Chavista officials of leading the Cartel of the Suns, labeled by Washington as a narcoterrorist organization.
In recent weeks, U.S. destroyers have patrolled the Caribbean, and the Trump administration has authorized the deployment of F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Caracas has condemned these actions as a "direct threat to national sovereignty" and has responded with FANB-led air and maritime maneuvers over American naval units.
With this latest reinforcement, Maduro aims to flex military strength along Venezuela's northern and eastern coasts, setting the stage for one of the most volatile scenarios in the Caribbean in decades.
Understanding Venezuela's Military Strategy
Why is Venezuela increasing its military presence in Zulia and Falcón?
The Venezuelan government identifies these areas as key narcotrafficking routes, necessitating additional military resources to curb illicit activities.
What is the "Peace Zone No. 1" in Venezuela?
"Peace Zone No. 1" is an area in Venezuela that has been designated for increased military presence and surveillance to maintain security and counter criminal activities.
How has the U.S. responded to Venezuela's military actions?
The U.S. has increased its naval presence in the Caribbean and deployed F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, framing these actions as efforts to combat drug trafficking.