In the face of escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuela’s National Bolivarian Militia, a civilian force established by the late President Hugo Chávez in 2009, is mobilizing to defend the nation. Edith Perales, a 68-year-old militia member, is among thousands preparing for a potential US attack, following the deployment of US Navy ships in the South Caribbean under the guise of counter-narcotics operations. The militia, largely composed of senior citizens and inexperienced volunteers, has been called to active duty by President Nicolás Maduro, who has framed the US actions as a ‘non-declared war.’
The US has recently destroyed at least three boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, resulting in 17 fatalities. This has further strained the already tense relationship between the two nations, exacerbated by Donald Trump’s return to office and his administration’s accusations of Maduro’s ties to drug cartels. The US has also doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million, while labeling the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group.
Maduro, in response, has ordered the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) to train local militias, including those in Caracas’ 23 de Enero neighborhood, a traditional stronghold of Chavismo. Despite the militia’s lack of experience, its members, like Francisco Ojeda and Glady Rodríguez, express unwavering enthusiasm to defend their homeland. However, political analyst Benigno Alarcón suggests that Maduro’s strategy is less about combat readiness and more about creating a ‘human shield’ to deter US military action.
While Maduro claims over 8.2 million civilians are enlisted in the militia, this figure remains disputed. For Perales, who has served for decades, the militia represents a duty to protect his community. Despite his age and health, he remains prepared to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, embodying the spirit of Chávez’s vision for a self-reliant nation.