Venezuela Mobilises Over 3 Million Militia Volunteers Amid US Tensions

In response to rising tensions with the United States and the deployment of three US Navy warships near Venezuelan waters, President Nicolas Maduro has initiated a nationwide voluntary conscription drive to bolster the Bolivarian National Militia. The campaign, which has seen thousands of Venezuelans from various backgrounds including civil servants, housewives, and veterans, registering to defend the country, is framed as a patriotic duty amid what Maduro and his officials describe as a looming US threat. Maduro claims the militia has over 4.5 million ready soldiers, though independent estimates suggest lower numbers. The mobilization aims to send a strong message to the United States, which has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and placed a $50 million bounty on him, while Venezuela condemns US military maneuvers as psychological warfare and interference. The militia, originally created under Hugo Chávez, is integrated into Venezuela's armed forces and plays a significant role in the country's national defense strategy, with supporters emphasizing unity regardless of political ideology. This movement reflects Venezuela's preparation for potential conflict and resistance against perceived US aggression in the region.