24.08.2025 17:45
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for "all militias, reserve soldiers, and citizens who wish to volunteer" to enlist under the National Sovereignty and Peace Plan following the United States' deployment of three warships to the Caribbean Sea. Following Maduro's message, hundreds of people volunteered to register with the National Bolivarian Militia Force.
After Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's call following the decision of the United States to send 3 warships to the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, hundreds of people volunteered to register for the National Bolivarian Militia Force.
Speaking to state television, Maduro stated that participation in the National Bolivarian Militia Force was "extremely successful," emphasizing that the people displayed immense patriotism against the US ships. Maduro noted that registration for the militia would continue on Sunday, saying, "Citizens who step forward with regional forces, combat units, reserves, and their families to join the national defense system built by the country in recent years are the guarantee of territorial integrity."
"DEFENDING THE HOMELAND IS A CITIZEN'S DUTY"
Maduro pointed out the importance of defending the homeland, stating: "Defending the homeland is a sign of love and a citizen's duty. Those who do not defend their homeland cannot defend their families or themselves. Those who do not love the history and sovereignty of their country, who do not admire them, lose their souls. I am registering because I love my homeland. You should register too, join the ranks! Long live Venezuela, long live the homeland, long live peace!"
THE OPPOSITION WANTS THE PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY
On the other hand, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in a statement from her account on the American X company's social media platform, urged the public not to heed Maduro's call. Machado said, "They aim to make it seem like they are defending you; in reality, their power is weakening. Disrespect them, ignore them, leave them alone."
NATIONAL BOLIVARIAN MILITIA FORCE
Registration for the National Bolivarian Militia Force continues in Tachira, Vargas, Merida, Trujillo, Barinas, Delta Amacuro, and Zulia states, primarily in the capital Caracas. The National Bolivarian Militia Force, which the public is registering for, is considered an auxiliary force primarily composed of civilian volunteers, although it is affiliated with the Venezuelan army. The militia's mission is defined as strengthening national defense, ensuring social mobilization, and providing support to the armed forces when necessary.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In his statement on August 22, Maduro said, "As the Commander-in-Chief, I invite all militias, reserve soldiers, and citizens who wish to register voluntarily to take up arms under the National Sovereignty and Peace Plan. Venezuela wants peace, and if Venezuela wants peace, there will be peace."
US President Donald Trump had previously issued an executive order instructing the military to be used more extensively and effectively in the fight against Latin American drug cartels. Two senior military officials told CNN that following Trump's order, a decision was made to send 4,000 Marines to the region. On August 15, Trump also ordered the deployment of 3 warships to the waters off Venezuela.