Venezuela: President Nicolás Maduro’s government has accused the United States of waging an “undeclared war” and, in response, has taken the extraordinary step of beginning military training for its civilian population. This new initiative will see the armed forces go directly into communities for the first time to train residents in the use of weapons and military tactics. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions with the United States and growing fears of a potential military conflict.
Civilian Military Training Begins
As part of a new national defense strategy, Venezuelan President Maduro has ordered the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) to go directly into cities and popular, low-income neighborhoods (Barrios) to provide military training to residents. This is an unusual move, as such direct public involvement from the army has not been seen before. According to government sources, the initiative is based on the principles of “Prolonged Active Resistance” and a “Permanent Offensive,” which are part of Venezuela’s preparation for a prolonged and active military situation.
The Maduro government claims that millions of “combatants” are ready to face any military aggression. However, analysts are skeptical of this number. The purpose of this action is not only to prepare the public defensively but also to counter the growing public discontent and revive the “Chavismo” movement. These are the poor areas that historically served as the political base of support for the late President Hugo Chávez and the current President Maduro. In recent years, public resentment in these areas has increased due to economic hardship, food shortages, and fear of repression.
Escalating Tensions with the US
Relations between Venezuela and the United States have reached their highest point in recent times. The Maduro government alleges that the U.S., under an “Imperial Plan,” aims to install a puppet government in Venezuela to seize its vast natural resources, particularly oil. In response, the Venezuelan army is ramping up its preparations and has now enlisted the public in its war efforts.
This development comes as the U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Caribbean region. The U.S.’s military exercises and movements near Venezuela are compelling the Maduro government to strengthen its defense measures. In these circumstances, Venezuela’s high military command and the Chavista leadership have embraced public involvement as a key strategic component of national defense.
The Strategy of ‘Prolonged Active Resistance’
Diosdado Cabello, a high-ranking official in the Venezuelan government, is personally involved in promoting this strategy. He has been leading televised military training sessions and has clearly stated that any military aggression from the U.S. will be met with an immediate and armed struggle. The “Prolonged Active Resistance” strategy means that if Venezuela is attacked, a long and sustained war will begin across the country with the joint cooperation of civilians and the military, with the aim of exhausting and repelling the aggressor.
This strategy will place a new burden on the Venezuelan people. While the government is presenting this move as a patriotic defense preparation, it is, in reality, pushing the public into a dangerous and uncertain environment of a potential war. The populace, already struggling with economic difficulties, must now also be ready for military training and possible military operations.
Potential Future Impacts
This Venezuelan initiative could have significant consequences not only domestically but also on an international level. While the Maduro government asserts it is defending its country’s sovereignty, analysts believe this is a dangerous game that could lead to further instability in the region. It will likely escalate tensions with the U.S. and could plunge Venezuela into a new international crisis.
In this situation, it will be interesting to see how the Venezuelan people react to this decision. Will they rise in support of the government, or will they protest against this new military policy? The answer will unfold in the coming days.
