Housewives, retired from Venezuela, align to join the militia in response to what Maduro calls “bizarre threats” by us

Officials, housewives and retirees aligned themselves in the capital of Venezuela Caracas during the weekend while thousands of people volunteered to join the country’s militia in case there is an American invasion.

President Nicolas Maduro called citizens To respond to “bizarre threats” by the United States and register during the weekend at the Bolivarian militia, a civilian body linked to the armed forces of the South America.

The show of force is also intended to send a message to Washington, which published a $ 50 million for Maduro – which is accused by the Trump administration of directing a drug cartel – and parked Three warships off the coast of Venezuela For what the United States says are anti-drug operations.

Last week, Maduro denounced “the renewal of extravagant, bizarre and bizarre” threats from the United States

Militia registration centers have been created in the squares of the capital, military and public buildings and even in the Miraflore presidential palace.

Volunteers could also be part of the mountain barracks, which houses the mausoleum of the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, in a densely populated area with major housing projects and ruin brick houses.

“Have you ever served?” A member of the camouflage militia asked Oscar Matheus.

“I am here to serve our country,” 66 -year -old AFP told AFP. “We don’t know what could happen, but we have to prepare and continue to resist.

“The homeland calls us. Our country needs us,” said Rosy Paravabith, 51.

Machine gun made in the United States on display

Nicknamed the Bolivarian army by Chavez, the Venezuelan armed forces do not hide the political folding of the militia.

“Chavez lives!” is now their official greeting.

The former Venezuelan socialist president Chavez came to power in 1999 and died in office in 2013. Maduro has been in power since, although the United States has not recognized the validity of his last two elections.

We do not know how many troops are in the Venezuelan militia.

Maduro said this week that the militia alone has more than 4.5 million soldiers ready.

However, the most recent independent estimate had around 343,000 members in 2020, according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies.

“I register in Venezuela, long live the homeland!” shouted the volunteers when registering.

Police and military reservists also aligned themselves to reaffirm their commitments.

After registering, the volunteers received a documentary on the European blockade on the coast of Venezuela between 1902 and 1903, after the president of the time, Cipriano Castro, refused to pay a foreign debt.

The 2017 film showed armed farmers, some shoots while others have analyzed the cards, while warships are looming far away.

Then, the volunteers were taken through a room with exposed weapons: a machine gun made in the United States, a Swedish grenade launcher, a Soviet RPG launcher and a Belgian machine gun.

An army lieutenant explained how to use each weapon.

“Can this be turned in the sky?” asked for a participant.

“It is better to draw him straight,” replied the soldier.

“I want to defend the fatherland”

The United States has sent armed forces to the Caribbean in the past.

But this time, the deployment coincides with the administration of President Donald Trump, increasing pressure on Maduro by doubling his bonus at $ 50 million earlier this month.

The United States alleys that Maduro directs the Suns cartel, a drug trafficking group that has been appointed a terrorist organization. Last September, the We grabbed an airplane Belonging to Maduro and brought it to the United States, the Ministry of Justice stating that the jet had been exported from Florida to violation of American sanctions.

On Friday, Maduro described American movements as an “illegal” attempt at change of diet.

“What they are threatening to do against Venezuela – the regime change, a military terrorist attack – is immoral, criminal and illegal,” said Maduro.

In the streets of Venezuela, the subject has caused jokes and concerns, although experts say it is unlikely that the United States will take direct measures.

Maduro’s opposition has called on people not to enlist – although many have been anyway.

“I want to defend the fatherland,” said Jesus Borquez, 19.

“I know that because of my age, I will not wear a rifle,” said Omaira Hernandez, 78. “But I’m ready to help them.”