Venezuela Announces ‘Massive Mobilization’ in Response to US Warship Deployment

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has launched a “massive mobilization” of its military forces, including land, air, naval, and reserve units, as tensions escalate with the United States. The deployment comes in response to the recent arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s largest warship, in the Caribbean region, part of a growing military build-up by the U.S. in Latin America.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced that the exercises, which will continue through Wednesday, are aimed at optimizing Venezuela’s command, control, and communications systems while bolstering the country’s defense capabilities. This move is framed by the government as a direct response to what they describe as an “imperialist threat” posed by the U.S. military presence.

In addition to regular military forces, Venezuela’s reserve force, the Bolivarian Militia, will also take part in the drills. The Militia, initially created by the late President Hugo Chávez and named after Latin American independence hero Simón Bolívar, is composed largely of civilian volunteers. Padrino López emphasized that this mobilization was part of President Nicolás Maduro’s broader defense strategy known as “Independence Plan 200,” a civic-military initiative designed to defend the nation from foreign aggression.

US Navy’s Increasing Presence in the Region

The military build-up comes amid growing concerns over the U.S. presence in the Caribbean. On Tuesday, the U.S. Navy confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford—an aircraft carrier with a crew of more than 4,000 sailors—has arrived in the U.S. Southern Command area, which encompasses most of Latin America. The strike group accompanying the carrier includes nine air squadrons, two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, and a specialized air and missile defense command ship, the USS Winston S. Churchill.

The U.S. has framed this increased presence in the Caribbean as part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking in the region. Recently, U.S. forces have conducted several operations targeting alleged drug shipments bound for the United States. However, the Venezuelan government, led by Maduro, views the U.S. actions as part of a larger strategy aimed at destabilizing the country and forcing regime change.

Tensions Between Washington and Caracas

Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have been high for several years, with both nations accusing each other of undermining sovereignty and promoting instability in the region. The Trump administration, in particular, has been vocal about its desire to see Maduro ousted, with some officials privately acknowledging that regime change in Venezuela is one of the key objectives behind Washington’s regional military activities.

In recent months, U.S. officials have confirmed the deployment of intelligence operatives within Venezuela, and former President Donald Trump himself suggested that military action inside the country could be on the table. However, despite these statements, the Biden administration has thus far refrained from any direct military intervention in Venezuela.

Venezuela’s Military Capacity

Venezuela’s conventional military, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), numbers approximately 123,000 active-duty personnel. However, the real strength of Venezuela’s defense strategy lies in its volunteer militias, which are said to number more than 8 million, though analysts have questioned the training and readiness of these forces. Padrino López has been careful to frame the military mobilization not only as a deterrent to U.S. aggression but also as a way to bolster national unity and civilian support.

Despite the U.S. military presence in the region, which includes roughly 15,000 U.S. personnel, Venezuela’s military exercises continue unabated. The U.S. also maintains a robust presence in Puerto Rico, which has become a hub for American military operations in the Caribbean. The island is home to at least 5,000 troops, and recently, the U.S. deployed 10 F-35 fighter jets and three MQ-9 Reaper drones to the region as part of the ongoing build-up.

US Bomber Flights and Military Maneuvers

In addition to the naval forces and fighter jets, the U.S. has conducted several bomber flights near Venezuelan airspace, including a “training demonstration” in late October. These moves are seen by Caracas as provocative actions aimed at intimidating the Venezuelan government.

For its part, the U.S. insists that its military presence in the region is focused on security, particularly drug interdiction, and not intended as an act of aggression against Venezuela. However, the Venezuelan government maintains that the U.S. is engaged in a campaign to undermine its sovereignty and overthrow the Maduro administration.

Looking Ahead

As the military build-up on both sides intensifies, the potential for further escalation remains a concern for regional stability. With Venezuela’s Independence Plan 200 mobilizing both military and civilian forces, and the U.S. maintaining a significant military presence in the Caribbean, the coming days will likely see continued tension in the region.

For now, the global community watches closely, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation appear increasingly urgent.