Amid escalating military tensions in the Caribbean, Diosdado Cabello has urged Venezuelans to brace themselves "on all fronts" and move towards being an "armed people" to defend the nation against the increased U.S. naval presence. "We are not calling for war of any kind, nor do we have a war, nor do we want war with anyone, but our people must be prepared and vigilant in all instances, on all fronts, in every way," Cabello stated during his weekly press conference for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), held at a training camp in La Guaira.
The backdrop to this call is a climate of heightened tension. In recent weeks, Washington has bolstered its presence with ships, submarines, and marines under the guise of anti-drug operations, while Caracas has complained to the United Nations that this deployment poses a "serious threat" to regional peace. Cabello, who on his television program had already warned that "we are preparing for the worst," intensified his rhetoric: "Under maximum pressure, maximum preparation."
New Phase: Transition to an Armed Citizenry
Cabello announced that the upcoming PSUV Congress plenary, scheduled for Thursday, September 11, and Friday, September 12, will focus on security, defense, and the "transition to an armed citizenry," with the party "at the disposal" of the militias. He emphasized that the mobilization extends beyond the Chavista structure, noting, "There are sectors that, although not Chavista, have said: we will defend the nation." His rallying cry to young leaders and militia members was clear: "To doubt is to betray."
On the ground, the government has ramped up its military and civilian apparatus. Cabello boasted of the "special training for resistance" offered to young people who, he said, "do not want to be left out" and "want to be on the front lines" if the nation needs defending.
The Other Front: Psychological Warfare and Accusations
Cabello accused the United States of seeking provocations to escalate the conflict and criticized an operation in international waters where 11 individuals allegedly linked to drug trafficking were killed. He labeled it a "massacre" and claimed Washington is trying to impose a narrative to justify its military presence. He also dismissed threats from U.S. congressmen and ongoing sanctions, framing them as part of a "psychological war" aimed at morally undermining the population: "They underestimate us. They will not overcome this people."
His rhetoric echoed familiar Chavista themes, including national dignity, civil-military unity, and anti-imperialism, but with an explicit call for enlistment through the Patria System and extending "preparation on all fronts" through training, communication, and territorial defense.
Backdrop: Deployments and Counter-Deployments
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López has confirmed reinforcements along the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts, with a focus on Zulia, Falcón, Nueva Esparta, Sucre, and Delta Amacuro. According to his reports, the "Peace Zone No. 1" has expanded from 10,000 to 25,000 personnel, supported by naval, riverine, and drone capabilities, and enlistment points for militias have been established nationwide. Weeks earlier, Cabello mentioned an additional 15,000 mobilized in the states bordering Colombia.
Conversely, the United States operates missile cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and surveillance aircraft in the Caribbean, citing the need to disrupt drug trafficking routes. The Chavista government denies any illicit cultivation and views this as tactical pressure to force concessions.
The tension reverberates throughout the region: Cuba stands in solidarity with Caracas; France is bolstering its capabilities in Guadeloupe within its anti-drug agenda; and Trinidad and Tobago has taken a stance of deterrence in anticipation of a potential clash over the Essequibo. Meanwhile, Cabello concluded with a call for resistance: "Accuse us of being Bolivarians, anti-imperialists, Chavistas; we are guilty. But do not fabricate what you cannot prove... Whatever happens, we will triumph."
Key Questions on Venezuela's Preparedness Amid U.S. Military Buildup
What is Diosdado Cabello's stance on the current U.S. military presence in the Caribbean?
Diosdado Cabello has called for Venezuelans to be prepared on all fronts in response to the U.S. military build-up, emphasizing vigilance and readiness without directly advocating for war.
How has the Venezuelan government responded to the increased U.S. presence?
The Venezuelan government has strengthened its military and civilian apparatus, with a focus on training and mobilizing young people and establishing enlistment points for militias nationwide.
What are the implications of the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean?
The U.S. deployment, under the pretext of anti-drug operations, is seen by Caracas as a serious threat to regional peace and a strategy to exert tactical pressure on Venezuela.