Patriotic fervor filled the streets of Caracas as Venezuela's military staged a so-called "encounter with the people." As firearms were handed to civilians under President Nicolás Maduro's call for maximum mobilisation, many appeared ready to answer.

Caracas

Venezuela's military has organized public training sessions in Caracas, allowing civilians to handle rifles and anti-aircraft guns as part of a broader show of resistance against the United States. This initiative comes after US military actions targeting alleged smuggling operations and the deployment of US warships near Venezuelan waters.

President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of plotting to overthrow him and has called for a large-scale recruitment drive for the national militia. While many Venezuelans are responding to this call, experts note that the Venezuelan military remains significantly less equipped than US forces.

Venezuela's military train civilians with firearms as U.S. tensions rise

Amid increasing tensions with the United States, Venezuela's military held a so-called encounter with the people on the streets of Caracas. Dozens of armoured vehicles paraded through the capital, and civilians were given a chance to handle rifles and anti-aircraft guns. Following the US strikes on alleged smuggling boats, Venezuelan officials have called for a show of resistance. There isn't a fisherman from any Caribbean island who goes out to fish and doesn't feel that a death sentence has been imposed without trial by the imperialists. They threaten, but we remain calm, with nerves of steel, calm and composed, with maximum popular mobilisation and organisation. Training sessions like these have become increasingly common since US warships took up positions near Venezuelan waters a month ago. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says President Trump is plotting to overthrow him, and has called on a massive recruitment drive for the national militia. Many seem to be answering that call. For all Venezuelans, this training is very important because it helps us collaborate with our country, our president, with all who love our country, and wish the best for everyone. Have you ever held a weapon? I haven't had the chance, but I think that at this point we have to start taking up arms to defend our country. There's plenty of defiant words and patriotic fervour on display in Caracas. But despite the push for mass mobilisation, experts say Venezuela's military is still leagues behind its rival, the United States.

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Orem

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Breakdown