Crowds gathered in the capital, Caracas, on Saturday (23), to register with the Venezuelan militia, after dictator Nicolás Maduro asked for reinforcement in defense to contain the threats of the United States.
A CNN He accompanied the enlisted to form long lines in Bolivar Square, located in the heart of Caracas, to provide information on how to join the troop.
A is an arm of the Venezuela National Army and was created by the late former President Hugo Chavez.
“We must continue Chavez’s legacy: fight for the homeland and the rights of all Venezuelans,” said Doris Peña, a community agent who enlisted in the militia on Saturday.
Robert Nieves, a teacher, said he never used a gun, but “defending the country is not just about having a gun.”
Maduro ordered the convening of all over the country after the US doubled the reward for information that led to his arrest and increased the number of troops circulating through Latin America and the Caribbean.
The government of stated that these actions are an attempt to contain the threat represented by drug trafficking groups in the region.
On the other hand, Maduro denounced the “extravagant, bizarre and absurd threats.” Some of the newly seated militiamen expressed the feeling that the country faces a threat.
“We defend our people and, in one way or another, let’s defend ourselves,” said Rogelia Martínez, social worker, CNN.
