Venezuela Confronts U.S. Military Pressure and Mobilizes Militia

CARACAS - Venezuela’s government called the U.S. “absurd threats” on Wednesday. This came after the U.S. announced it would send warships to the southern Caribbean. In response, President Nicolás Maduro said he would mobilize millions of armed civilian militiamen.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry stated late Tuesday that the U.S. is using “threats and calumnies” that harm regional peace. This comes after the White House said it would “use all elements of American power” to stop drug trafficking across its borders.

On Monday, three U.S. Aegis missile destroyers were ordered to reach the Venezuelan coast in 36 hours. The ships are the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson. About 4,000 U.S. sailors and Marines will take part in the operation. They are backed by P-8 reconnaissance aircraft and at least one attack submarine. The goal is to counter drug-trafficking organizations in the region.

In response to the U.S. naval deployment, President Maduro said he would mobilize up to 4.5 million members of the Bolivarian militia. This armed civilian force was created during the Chávez era. He called this a “defense of homeland” operation. ““Our militias will be ready, activated, and armed,” said Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. He emphasized Caracas’s commitment to defend its sovereignty.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the Maduro regime a “narco-terrorist cartel.” She also stressed that the U.S. will use all its power to hold drug traffickers accountable. She noted that the U.S. reward for information about Maduro’s arrest is now $50 million.

Tensions are rising as the U.S. accuses the Venezuelan government of working with criminal groups. This includes the Tren de Aragua and the Cartel of the Suns. Caracas has rejected these claims. It insists that the threats and military moves are part of a larger effort to destabilize politics.