The military tension in the Caribbean is on the rise. As the United States continues its naval presence off the Venezuelan coast, Nicolás Maduro's regime mobilized 200,000 troops across the nation on Tuesday, as announced by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López in a broadcast on state television.
Commencing at four in the morning, this exercise involves land, air, naval, riverine, and missile operations, incorporating the Bolivarian Militia, police forces, and territorial commands.
Padrino López declared, “Nearly 200,000 troops have been deployed, and this does not detract from the routine deployment of the Strategic Operational Command combating other threats,” yet he offered no specifics on the material resources employed.
This maneuver aims to showcase military strength against what Caracas labels as Washington's “imperial threats.” Concurrently, the Chavista National Assembly has passed a new Law on the Command for Comprehensive National Defense, designed to synchronize civil and military responses to any potential foreign attack.
Desperate Measures in Defense
Military sources consulted by Reuters and internal documents from the Venezuelan army reveal plans for a guerrilla-style response should the United States initiate an offensive.
The strategy, dubbed “prolonged resistance” and inspired by the Cuban regime's “war of all the people,” instructs small units to scatter, hide, and conduct sabotage in over 280 locations across the country.
Additionally, the plan includes a secondary tactic called “anarchization,” where intelligence services and Chavista loyalist armed groups would incite unrest in Caracas to render the nation ungovernable to any invading force.
A Reuters-cited officer bluntly summarized, “We wouldn't last two hours in a conventional war. We cannot stand against one of the world's most powerful armies.”
Military in Disarray
The internal state of Venezuela’s armed forces stands in stark contrast to Maduro's rhetoric. Soldiers earn less than $100 a month, merely a fraction of the cost of basic necessities, forcing many commanders to negotiate with agricultural producers to feed their troops.
Venezuela's military arsenal—primarily of Russian origin—is outdated and poorly maintained. Of the 20 Sukhoi fighter jets purchased in the 2000s, only four or five are operational. Helicopters, tanks, and portable missiles are also over two decades old.
Despite these limitations, Maduro has commanded the deployment of 5,000 Igla-S missiles nationwide and instructed units to retreat or conceal themselves “after the first strike from the Americans.”
“Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S,” Maduro boasted on television, claiming that operators are stationed “in every mountain and city.”
Propaganda Over Power
The massive deployment announced by Padrino López serves as much a political purpose as a military one.
Internationally, it aims to send a signal of resistance against U.S. advances. Domestically, these exercises help maintain the military power structure, which remains the regime's backbone.
Maduro's bellicose rhetoric also seeks to rally the Chavista base with the narrative of external siege. “Aggression will be met with national unity,” declared the minister, while Maduro reiterated his call for the “defense of the Bolivarian homeland.”
However, analysts argue that the so-called “people's army” lacks the capability to sustain a prolonged conflict. Corruption, desertion, and hunger erode troop morale. “This is an army with hunger and no fuel,” commented a former officer quoted by independent media.
U.S. Observations
The Trump administration maintains its military presence with over 10,000 personnel, seven warships, and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford en route to the region.
Washington asserts its operation is aimed at combating drug trafficking, but diplomatic sources do not rule out the potential for direct action should the situation escalate.
Meanwhile, Maduro seems to rely more on propaganda than firepower. He organizes guerrilla units he cannot sustain, proclaims independence while relying on Moscow, and waves the flag of patriotism in a nation where survival is the primary concern for the majority.
Venezuela's Military and Political Dynamics: Key Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of Venezuela's military maneuvers?
The military maneuvers aim to demonstrate Venezuela's military strength against perceived threats from the United States while maintaining internal military cohesion and rallying the Chavista base.
How does Venezuela's military compare to the U.S. military?
Venezuela's military is severely underfunded and outdated, with limited operational equipment and low troop morale, making it incomparable to the highly advanced and powerful U.S. military.
What strategies is Venezuela considering in case of a U.S. offensive?
Venezuela is considering guerrilla warfare tactics, such as “prolonged resistance” and “anarchization,” to disrupt and counter any potential U.S. invasion.