Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It’s been less than two weeks since the U.S. doubled the bounty on Maduro’s capture.
It’s been less than two weeks since the U.S. doubled the bounty on Maduro’s capture.
What is happening?
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced a massive military mobilization, activating over 4.5 million militia members across the country.
Repsonse to U.S. threats
Speaking on national television, Maduro framed the move as a strategic response to what he called increasing U.S. threats.
“Militias prepared, activated and armed,” he declared, outlining a plan to ensure full territorial coverage.
U.S. Increases bounty on Maduro to $50 million
Tensions flared after the U.S. government doubled its reward for Maduro’s capture to $50 million.
The Venezuelan leader is accused of being involved in drug trafficking, a charge he denies.
The bounty hike was widely seen as an escalation of pressure from Washington, which has long supported efforts to unseat him.
A legacy of Hugo Chávez
The civilian-military militia force Maduro is activating was founded by his predecessor, Hugo Chávez.
Officially estimated at around five million members, the group consists of both civilians and reservists under army command.
It serves as a backbone of the government’s internal defense efforts.
‘Bizarre’ and ‘extravagant’
In his televised address, Maduro lashed out at recent U.S. moves, describing them as “a rotten renewal of extravagant, bizarre and strange threats.”
His remarks echoed a familiar rhetoric accusing Washington of meddling in Venezuelan affairs under the guise of international law enforcement.
U.S. deploys forces to Caribbean for anti-drug mission
The United States recently deployed naval and air forces to the Caribbean as part of an anti-narcotics operation.
The move, confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, came shortly after the increased bounty on Maduro, leading to speculation about dual motives behind the mission.
Venezuela claims sovereignty over Caribbean waters
In response, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated, “We also have forces deployed throughout the Caribbean… in our sea, on our property, on Venezuelan territory.”
