Venezuela started in the weekend a nationwide conscription registration for militia, a move officials said is aimed at strengthening national security amid growing tensions with the United States.
The country's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the campaign on Saturday, describing it as a voluntary mobilization effort initiated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The conscription plan includes training in logistics, strategic resource management, and civil defense preparedness.
Lopez said that the recruitment is not mandatory, but rather a nationwide mobilization that is entirely voluntary. Its core objective is to ensure that every Venezuelan citizen who wishes to participate can receive training and contribute to the defense of the nation.
The militia is a part of Venezuela's national defense system, which encourages civilian participation in military-style organization and training.
On Saturday, a large number of residents gathered at a square in Venezuela's capital Caracas to register in the militia forces.
"As a Venezuelan, everyone has the duty. We have to be prepared for the comprehensive defense of the country. We workers reaffirm our support for the homeland," said Rivas, a construction worker.
The registration drive came in response to the recent military maneuvers by the United States in the Caribbean under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking.
Sources said three U.S. Navy ships could arrive near Venezuelan waters as early as Sunday, prompting criticism from Venezuela and other Latin American governments.
"[The U.S.] mobilizes military forces from regions far from Venezuela. At the time, it launches psychological warfare through media, social networks, and fake news. It also incites terrorist groups that have already been crushed by our country. These forces have never succeeded, and they never will," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil.
Venezuela starts nationwide militia conscription registration over U.S. threats
Venezuela starts nationwide militia conscription registration over U.S. threats
