Trendpills
Venezuela has placed its armed forces on high alert, mobilizing military personnel and equipment in response to what it describes as threats from the United States. The move comes amid a significant increase in US naval presence in the Caribbean, where the Trump administration has conducted at least 20 strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in recent weeks.
President Nicolás Maduro announced a “massive mobilization” of military resources, a decision that has amplified the escalating political and military tensions between Caracas and Washington. In a formal statement, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirmed the country had entered a “higher phase” of its “Independence Plan 200,” a defensive strategy designed to counter foreign military threats.
In response to the heightened alert, Venezuela has initiated nationwide military exercises. According to state television broadcasts, these drills involve the army, police, and pro-government community militias. The official objective, as stated by General Padrino López, is to “prepare ourselves to defend our homeland in all areas, whatever the threat.” These military maneuvers are seen as a direct reaction to fears of potential US strikes.
Despite the show of force, reports suggest Venezuela’s strategy in the event of an attack would not be conventional warfare. Instead, the country is reportedly preparing for a guerrilla-style response aimed at causing street chaos and engaging in small-unit sabotage. This asymmetric approach appears to acknowledge the limitations of its military, which relies on older Russian equipment and faces challenges such as low soldier pay. President Maduro has explicitly warned the US against intervention, stating his country is prepared to defy any attempt to overthrow his government. This stance is part of a broader deterrence strategy to complicate any potential foreign military action, as detailed in warnings against US military intervention.
