Venezuela’s Popular Forces Stand Ready to Defend Against US Threat

During the founding conference of the National Union of Farmers this Sunday, President Nicolás Maduro unveiled Operation Barracks to the People, mobilizing the Bolivarian Armed Forces across 5,336 community districts. Maduro emphasized that “the popular armies are deployed to guarantee that not a single hair on Venezuela’s head will be touched by the criminal American invaders,” underlining the need to defend the sacred land, seas, and skies in unity with the people, army, and police.

The operation, Maduro explained, is part of a comprehensive national defense strategy, combining active resistance by citizens with permanent offensive measures on all fronts. He stressed, “There is no excuse for anything to stop; if there is a blockade, then there is no excuse for the Bolivarians.”

In response to recent US military deployments in the Caribbean and threats from former President Donald Trump, Venezuela also organized civilian military exercises. In Caracas’ dense Petare neighborhood, main avenues were transformed into training grounds for weapons handling and revolutionary resistance tactics.

Participants expressed strong resolve: “I’m here to defend what is really important—my country, my homeland, my nation, Venezuela,” said 38-year-old Lubzi Monterola. Meanwhile, 16-year-old John Noriega added, “This is all about oil, gold, diamonds—our resources. We will fight for what is ours.”

This bold initiative highlights Venezuela’s commitment to national sovereignty and civilian readiness, signaling that its population is prepared to resist foreign interference and protect its strategic resources.