Venezuela‘s Cabello Displays Military Gear, Vows ‘Permanent Offensive’
Caracas, Venezuela – September 11, 2025 – Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Interior Minister, publicly appeared today dressed in full camouflage and carrying a rifle, declaring a state of “permanent offensive” to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. The display, broadcast on state television, comes as President Nicolás Maduro simultaneously launched the “Independence 200 Plan,” a nationwide military and militia mobilization.
The unusual public presentation by Cabello, a powerful figure within the ruling socialist party, and the broader military initiative signal heightened tensions within Venezuela and along its borders, particularly with Colombia. The moves are widely interpreted as a demonstration of force intended to deter internal dissent and external pressure, while reinforcing Maduro’s government amid ongoing political and economic challenges. The “Independence 200 Plan” aims to establish 284 “battle fronts” across the country, involving the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), combatant bodies, and the Bolivarian National Militia.
During a broadcast from a residential complex outside Caracas, Maduro stated, “We are activating at this time from north to south, from east to west, from all the coasts of the Venezuelan Caribbean, from the border with Colombia, from the Andes, from the east of the country and the south, we are activating 284 battle fronts,” to ensure “independence and peace.”
Cabello’s appearance and the activation of the “Independence 200 plan” follow escalating rhetoric from both Maduro and Cabello regarding alleged threats from internal opposition groups and external actors seeking to destabilize Venezuela. The government has previously accused the United States and Colombia of supporting efforts to overthrow Maduro.