The United States’ decision to reinforce their military presence on its coasts Venezuelan creates a climate of unprecedented intensity. Three helicopters with helicopters, three destroyers equipped with the Aegis system, a nuclear submarine and about 4,000 marines were sent by the President’s command Donald Trump. Officially, this mobilization aims to exclude drug trafficking to the US.
However, the rhetoric adopted by the White House suggests that there is a wider political message. Spokesman Caroline Levitt said Donald Trump is ready to use “all means” to bring to justice by smuggling officials, describing the government of Nicolas Maduro “Nicarcotromocratic Cartel” and President of the Nicolas.
Caracas denounces immediate threat
In the face of this development of forces, Nicolas Maduro reacted by announcing the activation of a “special plan” that provides for the mobilization of 4.5 million militants. Speaking to Parliament, he spoke of “unethical, criminal and illegal attack”, comparing the situation with “David’s battle with Goliath”.
On the streets of Caracas, reactions rang as concern to irony. State media point out that the country can be defended, while citizens are rushing to stores to obtain food and goods. “It will be tomorrow morning in La Guaira, they will take a photo and drink a beer,” 35 -year -old Wendy Ramirez was joked. Others are reminiscent that Venezuela can rely on its Russian and Chinese allies.
Mass mobilization of the population
On Saturday (23.08.2025), large queues were formed outside the militia recruitment centers. Thousands of civil servants, students and retirees responded to the president’s call. “Our homeland is calling,” said 51 -year -old Rosie, who was presented to be classified.
For Edward Rodriguez, a political analyst in the opposition, the number of 4.5 million volunteers is “unrealistic”, recalling that Maduro had not even received so much votes in the presidential election. He admits, however, that the initiative reinforces the image of a country rallying against an external threat.
Explosive political context
This controversy unfolds while the opposition continues to question Maduro’s re -election in 2024, denouncing electoral fraud. The United States and several regional allies do not recognize the electoral process. For his critics, the President is taking advantage of the crisis to consolidate his power and justify new repressive actions.
The US announcement was made a few days after Justice Minister Pam Bodi’s decision to double $ 50 million a fee for information that would lead to Maduro’s arrest. A move reminiscent of some observers in the Panama case in 1989 or even Iraq in the early 2000s.
An intervention is considered unlikely
For Mariano De Alba, a London -based analyst, a real military operation is considered unlikely: “This is not the first time the US has been developing forces in the Caribbean. An attack would also comply with Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, reinforcing Vladimir Putin’s position. “
According to him, Maduro even reaps a political gain from the situation, reinforcing his well -known rhetoric of “homeland under the siege from the Empire”. In his estimation, this confrontation offers the regime new internal legitimacy, while the economy remains exhausted and citizens suffer from shortcomings and inflation.