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The regime of Nicolás Maduro launched a mass recruitment drive for the Bolivarian Militia across the country this Friday, following the deployment of eight warships by the United States in Caribbean and Pacific waters.
From early morning hours, preparation points were established in Bolívar squares, military bases, and in over 15,700 Integral Defense Popular Bases (BPDI), with the aim of incorporating thousands of Venezuelans into the parallel defense structure created by Chavismo.
The Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, stated that the FANB will remain deployed throughout the territory “to combat criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and terrorism”; following the approach of U.S. vessels to Venezuelan shores as part of a “reinforced anti-narcotics operation”, which has been interpreted as a direct message against Maduro.
"We stand with an Armed Force, political leadership, and a legitimate president, in the fight to bring our people the greatest happiness possible," emphasized Padrino López.
The official added that Maduro's order is to "cleanse every trace of drug trafficking and terrorism in the country," alleging that these factors are used by the U.S. to provoke an internal breakdown which —he stated— "they have not succeeded in achieving in 26 years of siege."
The Bolivarian Militia, created in 2008 by Hugo Chávez and consolidated by Maduro, has faced criticism from the opposition and human rights organizations, which accuse it of serving as a tool for social and political control in communities, beyond strictly military functions.
With this mobilization campaign, Chavismo aims to strengthen a force that, according to official figures, already has over 4 million members and operates alongside traditional military institutions; at a time marked by the escalation of tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mass Recruitment to the Bolivarian Militia
¿Qué es la Milicia Bolivariana y cuál es su propósito?
The Bolivarian Militia was created in 2008 by Hugo Chávez and is mainly composed of civilians with military training. Its purpose is to support the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and to act as a parallel defense structure that reinforces the political and social control of Chavismo in Venezuela.
Why is the Maduro regime massively recruiting for the Bolivarian Militia?
The regime of Nicolás Maduro has begun a massive recruitment drive for the Bolivarian Militia as part of the Great National Plan for Sovereignty and Peace. The stated objective is to strengthen the country's defense against external threats, especially in light of increased military presence from the United States in the Caribbean.
How is the recruitment process for the Bolivarian Militia being carried out?
The recruitment process is taking place in all 24 states of Venezuela, with enrollment points set up in Bolívar squares, military bases, and more than 15,700 Popular Bases of Integral Defense. The recruitment aims to incorporate thousands of Venezuelans into this parallel defense structure.
What is the international community's reaction to the mass recruitment and military mobilization in Venezuela?
The international community, especially the United States, has viewed the mass recruitment and military mobilization as a response from the Maduro regime to the growing tensions in the region. The U.S. has intensified its military deployment in the Caribbean under the guise of anti-drug operations, which has led to an escalation of tensions with Venezuela.
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