Housewives, retired in Venezuela align to join the militia in response to what Maduro calls

Civil officials, housewives and retirees aligned in the capital of Venezuela, Caracas during the weekend, when Miles offered as volunteers to join the country’s militia in case there is an American invasion.

President Nicolas Maduro called the citizens To respond to the “extravagant threats” by the United States and register during the weekend to the Bolivarian militia, a civil body linked to the armed forces of the South American country.

The force sample also intends to send a message to Washington, which has issued a $ 50 million Bounty for Maduro – Who is accused of the Trump administration to lead a drug sign, and has parked Three warships off the coast of Venezuela From what the United States says are anti -drug operations.

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

The militia registration centers were established in the capital’s squares, military and public buildings and even in the Miraflores presidential palace.

The volunteers could also register in the mountain barracks, which houses the mausoleum of the late socialist leader Hugo Chávez, in a densely populated area with large housing projects and ruined brick houses.

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

“I am here to serve our country,” said the 66 -year -old auditor at the News. “We don’t know what could happen, but we must prepare and continue to resist.

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

Machine gun manufactured in the USA.

Nicknamed the Bolivarian Army by Chávez, the Venezuelan armed forces do not hide the political inclination of the militia.

“Chávez lives!” Now is your official greeting.

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

It is not clear how many troops there are in the Venezuelan militia.

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

However, the most recent independent estimate told about 343,000 members in 2020, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

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

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

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

The 2017 film showed armed farmers, some shooting weapons, while others analyzed maps, as war ships appeared in the distance.

Next, the volunteers were taken through a room with weapons on display: a machine gun made by the United States, a Swedish grenades launcher, a Soviet role -playing launcher and a Belgian machine gun.

An army lieutenant explained how to use each weapon.

“Can this be triggered in heaven?” An assistant asked.

“It is better to shoot it directly,” replied the soldier.

“I want to defend the homeland”

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 the pressure on Maduro by doubling his generosity to $ 50 million earlier this month.

The United States alleges Maduro leads the SunS poster, a drug trafficking group that has been designated as a terrorist organization. Last September, the We use a plane Belonging to Maduro and brought it to the United States, with the Department of Justice claiming that the plane was exported as Florida in violation of US sanctions.

On Friday, Maduro described the movements of the United States as an “illegal” attempt to change regime.

“What they threaten to do against Venezuela (regime change, a military terrorist attack) is immoral, criminal and illegal,” Maduro said.

In the streets of Venezuela, the issue caused jokes and concerns equally, although experts say it is unlikely that the United States takes direct measures.

Maduro’s opposition has asked people not to get ready, although many were anyway.

“I want to defend the homeland,” said Jesús Borquez, 19.

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

• Venezuela
• Trump administration