Venezuela Mobilizes Militia as US intensifies Pressure, Offers $50M Bounty for Maduro
Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuela is bracing for potential escalation as the US ramps up pressure on the Maduro government, deploying warships to the region and offering a record-breaking $50 million bounty for details leading to the arrest of President Nicolás maduro. The move comes amidst accusations from Washington that Maduro leads the “Cartel de Los Soles,” a powerful drug trafficking institution.
Military Buildup & Counter-Claims
The US had previously dispatched three warships to the Venezuelan coast, ostensibly to combat drug cartels, and now plans to send an additional 4,000 Marines. However,Maduro vehemently denies the allegations,stating on Monday,”Venezuela is clean,free of drug trafficking… There are neither coca plants nor cocaine production in my country.”
Interior Minister Cabello announced a thorough counter-operation utilizing aircraft, drones, and boats to protect Venezuelan territory. He also urged colombia to conduct a similar operation on its side of the border to ensure regional security.
[Image of volunteers registering for militia – Imago/Soup images/Jorge Castellanos]
Volunteers across Venezuela are registering for Maduro’s call to arms, bolstering the country’s militia.
Maduro Mobilizes 4.5 Million Militia
In response to the escalating tensions, Maduro last week announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia fighters. Volunteers have been signing up at barracks and public locations nationwide, answering maduro’s call to defend the nation against perceived imperialist threats. “We call on the whole people to close ranks and join the militia,” Maduro declared. “We tell imperialism: end your threats. Venezuela rejects you. Venezuela wants peace.”
While the militia boasts a significant number of members – including reservists, government employees, and pensioners – security experts remain skeptical about its actual military capabilities.
Diplomatic Breakdown & Asset Seizure
Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with the US in 2019 following Washington’s refusal to recognize Maduro’s re-election.The US has since imposed sanctions and an oil embargo on Venezuela.
Adding to the pressure, the US Justice Department accuses Maduro of leading the “Cartel de Los Soles,” allegedly responsible for smuggling hundreds of tons of drugs into the US over two decades, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit profits. Last week, the US announced the confiscation of $700 million in assets linked to Maduro, including properties, vehicles, planes, and jewelry.[Image of Maduro
