Venezuela Mobilizes Civilians Amid US Naval Threats

Wed Oct 22 2025 17:19:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to recent US strikes claimed to target drug operations, Venezuela has activated national militia forces, equipping civilians with arms as part of heightened defense measures.

Following deadly US naval strikes that killed 17 individuals believed to be involved in drug trafficking, Venezuela's government has resorted to arming civilians as part of its defense strategy. Thousands of ordinary citizens, including many senior citizens, are joining the National Bolivarian Militia to prepare for potential conflicts, raising concerns about the demands placed on newly armed groups within vulnerable communities.

Venezuela Mobilizes Civilians Amid US Naval Threats

Following deadly US naval strikes that resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals linked to drug trafficking operations, Venezuela's government has initiated a controversial response by arming civilians through the National Bolivarian Militia. Many of these civilians include senior citizens who are being called upon to defend the nation amidst increasing tensions.

Edith Perales, a 68-year-old militia member from Caracas, reflects the sentiments of many older participants who are preparing for what they perceive as a looming threat from the US. According to reports, these strikes were framed by Venezuelan officials as an act of war that demands a united national front.

The militia, initially designed to bolster national defense under former President Hugo Chávez in 2009, is now seeing a surge in participation as President Nicolás Maduro intensifies rhetoric against perceived aggressors. With many of the volunteers lacking prior military experience, their training sessions emphasize familiarization with armed combat, often with limited resources.

In neighborhoods like 23 de Enero, a stronghold of Chavismo, local militia members are embracing their roles as defenders. Perales noted the importance of community efforts to safeguard their territory, stating, ‘We must defend the territory.’ Similarly, younger participants express their readiness to confront any threats, echoing Maduro’s aggressive stance. Critics, however, warn that using civilians as a buffer could invoke human rights concerns, transforming these groups into potential "human shields."

As US naval ships conduct operations in the Caribbean, the relationship between Venezuela and the United States continues to deteriorate. Analysts suggest that the mobilization of militia may not only be about combat readiness but also about increasing the risks any US military action could incur, thereby complicating the geopolitical landscape further.