ALWAGHT- Amid escalating military pressure from Washington, the Venezuelan armed forces have recruited 5,600 new troops.
On Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro oversaw a military swearing-in ceremony at Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas, where 5,600 new troops were enlisted. This mobilization is framed by his government as a direct response to escalating military pressure from the United States. During the event, military officials, like Colonel Gabriel Alejandro Rendón Vilchez, vowed to resist any foreign invasion, accusing the US of imperialist aims to overthrow Maduro and control Venezuela's oil.
The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, aircraft carriers, and thousands of personnel under the stated goal of combating drug trafficking. Washington has formally accused Maduro of leading a narcoterrorist organization, a claim he vehemently rejects. In response, Maduro has condemned the US maneuvers as an illegal and disproportionate act of aggression.
Amid this crisis, Venezuela is seeking international diplomatic support. President Maduro held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who expressed deep concern over the US military buildup and threats to regional peace. Erdogan encouraged dialogue between the US and Venezuela to ease tensions, while Maduro reaffirmed his commitment to peace even as he denounced American actions.
The US military operations have included lethal strikes on dozens of suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in numerous casualties. Venezuelan officials condemn these actions as a hostile show of force intended to intimidate the nation and violate its sovereignty. They view the overall US strategy—combining military deployments, criminal allegations, and lethal strikes—as a coordinated campaign to destabilize Maduro's government amid the broader geopolitical confrontation.
