Venezuelan Housewives and Retirees Join Militia Amid U.S. Threats, Responding to Maduro’s Call to Action

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August 25, 2025

Venezuela Mobilizes Civilian Militia Amidst U.S. Pressure

Caracas,Venezuela – Thousands of Venezuelan citizens-including Civil Servants,Retirees and Housewives-have answered a call to arms,volunteering to join the nation’s militia over the weekend,fueled by concerns of potential conflict with the United States. The surge in enlistments comes as tensions dramatically escalate between the two countries.

Maduro‘s Call to Arms and U.S. Response

President Nicolas Maduro issued the call for citizens to enlist in the Bolivarian Militia, a civilian corps integrated with Venezuela’s armed forces, citing what he described as “outlandish threats” emanating from Washington. This mobilization is viewed as a show of force intended to deter further action from the U.S. government.

the United States, under the Trump governance, has taken increasingly assertive measures. These include a $50 million bounty for Maduro’s arrest-stemming from allegations of his leadership within a drug cartel-and the strategic positioning of three warships off Venezuela’s coastline, ostensibly for anti-drug operations.The U.S. Justice Department also seized a jet belonging to Maduro last September, asserting it violated sanctions.

Registration and Training Surge

Militia registration centers were rapidly established throughout Caracas, located in public squares, military installations, and even the presidential palace, Miraflores. Volunteers also registered at the Mountain Barracks, the site of Hugo Chavez’s mausoleum.

People wait to sign up to join the civil militias during a national enlistment campaign called by the government of President Nicolas Maduro at a military museum in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.

Oscar Matheus, a 66-year-old auditor, expressed his resolve, stating, “I’m hear to serve our country. We don’t know what might happen, but we must prepare and keep resisting.” Rosy Paravabith, 51, echoed this sentiment, declaring, “The homeland is calling us. Our country needs us.”

Echoes of the Past and Militia Structure

The Bolivarian Militia, founded by the late Hugo Chavez, embraces a distinctly political identity. The greeting “Chavez lives!” has become a rallying cry for the group. While Maduro claims the militia boasts over 4.5 million members, self-reliant estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies placed the number around 343,000 in 2020.

following registration, volunteers were subjected to training and indoctrination. This included a screening of a documentary detailing a historical European blockade of Venezuela in 1902-1903 and a presentation of weaponry-including U.S.-made machine guns, Swedish grenade launchers, Soviet RPG launchers, and Belgian machine guns-along with instruction on their use.

Public Sentiment and Opposition

The situation has elicited a mix of reactions within Venezuela, ranging from patriotic fervor to apprehension. Some citizens view the mobilization as a necessary precaution, while others remain skeptical. Maduro’s opposition has urged citizens to refrain from participating, but calls have largely gone unheard.

Jesus Borquez, 19, stated, “I want to defend the homeland.” Omaira Hernandez, 78, added, “I know that because of my age I’m not going to carry a rifle, but I’m willing to help them.”

Venezuela and the US: A History of Tensions

Year	Event
2019	U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Venezuela’s Oil Industry
2020	U.S. Charges Maduro and other Officials with Drug Trafficking
2023	U.S. Seizes Plane Allegedly Linked to Maduro
2025	U.S. Offers $50 Million Bounty for Maduro’s Arrest

Understanding Civilian Militias

Civilian militias, like Venezuela’s Bolivarian Militia, represent a complex integration of defense and political ideology. These forces often serve to bolster a nation’s defense capabilities while simultaneously fostering a sense of national unity and loyalty. However, they can also be a source of controversy, raising concerns about politicization and potential human rights abuses.The model varies substantially across nations, influenced by historical context, political climate, and available resources.

Did You Know? Civilian militias have existed for centuries, serving various roles from local defense to supporting national armies. Britannica provides a historical overview of militias worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Bolivarian Militia? the Bolivarian Militia is a civilian defense force in Venezuela, linked to the country’s armed forces, created by Hugo Chavez.
2. why has the U.S. offered a bounty for Maduro’s arrest? The U.S. alleges that Maduro is a leader within a drug trafficking organization known as the Cartel of the Suns.
3. What is the current state of U.S.-Venezuela relations? Relations are extremely strained,marked by sanctions,accusations,and increased military posturing.
4. What is the purpose of the U.S. warships near Venezuela? The U.S. claims the warships are conducting anti-drug operations but are largely seen as a show of force.
5. How many members are in the Bolivarian Militia? Maduro claims over 4.5 million, while independent estimates suggest around 343,000.

What do you think about Venezuela’s mobilization of its militia? do you believe it will deter potential conflict, or escalate tensions further?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.

What are the primary motivations driving Venezuelan housewives and retirees to join the militia despite potential risks?

Maduro’s Mobilization: A Nation Prepares

In a move reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions,Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called for the expansion of the nation’s militia,and the response has been striking. Beyond the expected influx of younger recruits, a critically important number of Venezuelan housewives and retirees are stepping forward to join the ranks, citing concerns over potential U.S. intervention and a desire to defend national sovereignty. This grassroots mobilization is a key component of Venezuela’s defense strategy, aiming to create a broad-based resistance force. The current political climate, marked by ongoing sanctions and rhetoric from Washington, fuels these anxieties and drives participation in the Milicias Populares.

The Context: U.S.-Venezuela Relations & Escalating Tensions

The current surge in militia recruitment isn’t occurring in a vacuum.Years of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, stemming from ideological differences and disputes over oil resources, have created a climate of uncertainty.

Economic Sanctions: U.S. sanctions have crippled the Venezuelan economy, leading to hyperinflation and widespread shortages of essential goods. This economic pressure is widely perceived within Venezuela as a purposeful attempt to destabilize the country.

Political Interference: Accusations of U.S. support for opposition movements and attempts to influence Venezuelan elections have further strained relations.

Military Posturing: Increased U.S.military presence in the region, notably naval exercises near Venezuelan waters, is interpreted by the Maduro government as a direct threat.

Recent Threats: Recent statements from U.S. officials regarding potential “options” for addressing the situation in Venezuela have been seized upon by the government as justification for bolstering its defenses.

These factors contribute to a narrative of external aggression, prompting the call to arms and the surprising demographic shift in militia volunteers. venezuela’s defense strategy relies heavily on citizen participation, and Maduro’s rhetoric emphasizes the need for a “people’s war” against potential invaders.

who is Joining? The Unexpected Volunteers

Traditionally, militias worldwide are comprised of younger, physically fit individuals. Though,the Venezuelan case presents a unique scenario. Reports indicate a substantial number of women, particularly housewives, and retirees are answering Maduro’s call.

Motivations of Housewives: Many Venezuelan women cite a desire to protect their families and communities from the perceived threat of U.S. intervention. The economic hardship caused by sanctions has also played a role, with some viewing militia service as a way to contribute to national stability and perhaps access resources.

Motivations of Retirees: retired military personnel and older citizens with prior experience are offering their skills and knowledge to the militia. A sense of patriotic duty and a fear of losing the gains of the bolivarian Revolution are common motivations.

Demographic Shift: This demographic shift highlights the deep-seated political polarization within Venezuela and the widespread support for Maduro’s government, despite the country’s economic woes.

Training and Equipment: Preparing the Citizen Soldiers

The Venezuelan militia system, officially known as the Milicias Populares, provides basic military training to its members. This training typically includes:

1. Weapons Handling: Instruction on the safe use and maintenance of firearms, including the AK-103 assault rifle, a common weapon in the Venezuelan military.
2. basic Tactics: Training in basic infantry tactics, such as patrolling, ambush techniques, and defensive positions.
3. First Aid: Essential first aid skills to provide immediate medical assistance in combat situations.
4. Ideological Instruction: Emphasis on the principles of the Bolivarian Revolution and the importance of defending national sovereignty.

Equipment provided to militia members varies, but generally includes:

Firearms: AK-103 rifles are the standard issue weapon.

Uniforms: Basic military uniforms and protective gear.

Communication Equipment: Radios for communication within units.

Limited Vehicle Support: Access to some vehicles for transportation and logistical support.

ancient Precedents: Citizen Militias in Latin America

The Venezuelan militia system isn’t entirely unique in Latin American history. Several countries have experimented with similar models of citizen-based defense.

Cuba: Following the 1959 revolution, Cuba established a robust militia system that remains active today. This system played a key role in defending the country against the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.

nicaragua: During the Sandinista era in the 1980s, Nicaragua relied heavily on a mass militia to defend against U.S.-backed Contra rebels.

El Salvador: both the government and rebel groups in El Salvador utilized civilian militias during the country’s civil war in the 1980s.

These historical examples demonstrate the potential effectiveness of citizen militias in asymmetric warfare scenarios, particularly when facing a more technologically advanced adversary.

The Role of the Militia in venezuela’s Defense Strategy

The milicias Populares are intended to serve as a supplementary force to the Venezuelan Armed Forces.