Maduro mobilizes 4,5 million volunteers against US pressure and threats.
The Bolivarian Militias of Venezuela are an armed civilian force, created by Hugo Chávez, with the objective of defending the Bolivarian Revolution and the country.
247 - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced the activation of a mobilization plan involving more than 4,5 million volunteers from the Bolivarian National Militias, in response to "renewed threats" from the United States. The statement was made during an event broadcast on state television, according to G1. Maduro stated that the measure aims to reinforce military coverage throughout the national territory, with forces "prepared, activated, and armed." He emphasized the support of the Armed Forces in the face of external pressure. "The first to show solidarity and support for this hardworking president who is here were the military of this nation.".
The strength of the Bolivarian National Militia
The Bolivarian Militias of Venezuela are an armed civilian force, created in 2008 by Hugo Chávez, with the objective of defending the Bolivarian Revolution and the country. They are formed by civilian volunteers who receive military training and are mobilized to support the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, especially in tasks of internal security and defense of the Bolivarian Revolution.
The Bolivarian National Militia is made up of approximately 5 million reservists, according to official data, and is considered one of the five components of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).
During his speech, Maduro called for the expansion of peasant and worker militias throughout the country. "Rifles and missiles for the peasant force! To defend the territory, sovereignty, and peace of Venezuela!", he declared, adding: "Missiles and rifles for the working class, so that they may defend our homeland.".
Venezuelan military reaction
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López called the American measures "foolish" and accused Washington of violating international law. He was also the target of a reward offered by the US, as was Diosdado Cabello, Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace.
In a critical tone, López stated: "The cynicism of the American government knows no bounds; they want to lecture us on democracy when their own government systematically disregards its own laws, governing arbitrarily and capriciously.".
