Venezuelan President Recruits 1 Million More Militia to Counter US

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this week ordered the recruitment of more than 1 million people into the Bolivarian National Militia, part of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), to prepare for the risk of foreign military intervention.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Bolivarian militia in Caracas on April 13, Mr. Maduro announced his goal of increasing the force's strength from 2 million to 3 million people, while affirming that the militia has an important role in maintaining peace in Venezuela.

He said the increase in the militia's size would allow Venezuelans to better defend their homeland in all circumstances. Maduro would work with the Constituent Assembly to change the constitution to recognize the role and power of the militia.

Maduro's move comes as Venezuela's government is increasingly concerned about the possibility of an imminent US military intervention in the country. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez on April 16 accused the US and its two allies, Brazil and Colombia, of planning a "criminal attack" on Caracas.

On the same day, CNN quoted a source from the Pentagon as saying that US National Security Advisor John Bolton had asked Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan to develop new military options to deter the influence of Russia, China or Cuba in Venezuela. However, the Pentagon is said to be not interested in the option of using force to overthrow President Maduro.

Venezuela’s political crisis intensified after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in late January, directly challenging Maduro’s authority. Trump quickly recognized Guaido and has threatened to use force to overthrow Maduro, but so far there has been no sign of troops being sent near Venezuela.

President Maduro remains in power thanks to the support of the Venezuelan military and countries such as Russia, China and Cuba. Last month, the Russian military sent about 100 soldiers to Venezuela to help repair its equipment, and announced that it would maintain its presence in Caracas as long as "necessary".