Venezuela announces a nationwide military deployment as tensions with the US escalate in the Caribbean, preparing guerrilla resistance strategies amid rising fears of intervention.
Venezuela has announced a sweeping, countrywide military deployment in response to the expanding US naval presence in the Caribbean, intensifying one of the most volatile geopolitical standoffs in the Western Hemisphere.
Caracas Orders ‘Massive Deployment’ Across All Forces
The Venezuelan Defence Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that it has activated a “massive deployment” involving land, sea, air, river, and missile units, alongside millions of civilian militia members aligned with President Nicolás Maduro.
State broadcaster VTV aired footage of commanders delivering wartime speeches across multiple states, signaling the seriousness of the mobilisation.
Washington’s ongoing military operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific—officially framed as counter-narcotics missions—have heightened alarm within Caracas, which views the deployments as a potential prelude to US military action.
Venezuela Preparing Guerrilla Warfare Response
According to Reuters, classified planning documents and multiple sources indicate that Venezuela is preparing a guerrilla-style resistance strategy if the US launches air or ground strikes.
Despite Venezuela’s military being weakened by poor training, low salaries, and aging equipment, the government is betting on two central defence tactics:
1. “Prolonged Resistance” — Guerrilla Warfare
- Small military units stationed across 280+ strategic locations
- Sabotage, ambushes, and irregular warfare
- A nationwide insurgency designed to make occupation costly and unsustainable
2. “Anarchisation” — Strategic Internal Chaos
- Intelligence units and pro-government armed groups
- Operations to destabilize Caracas
- Making Venezuela “ungovernable” for any foreign force
Sources say both strategies could be deployed simultaneously in the event of an invasion.
Maduro Relies on Military Loyalty and Civilian Militias
Maduro’s government continues to publicly downplay fears of a US attack.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello mocked talk of a US bombing campaign, while Maduro has repeatedly hailed Venezuela’s “soldiers of the homeland” and their connection to national hero Simón Bolívar.
Maduro claims:
- 8 million civilian militia members are training for national defense.
- 60,000 Army and National Guard troops are prepared for a “war of resistance.”
This loyalty is attributed to the strategy inherited from Hugo Chávez, who embedded military officers into key government and state-company positions to ensure allegiance.
US Intensifies Military Pressure in the Region
The US has stepped up military operations, further unsettling Venezuelan leadership:
- USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group deployed to Latin America
- F-35 stealth fighters stationed in Puerto Rico
- Six US Navy ships active in the Caribbean
- At least 20 maritime strikes conducted since September, killing 76 people according to US figures
The US has not publicly released evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug trafficking.
Although President Donald Trump stated last week that he does not seek war with Venezuela, he reiterated that Maduro’s “days are numbered.”
This has deepened fears in Caracas that regime change remains Washington’s ultimate objective.
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