On Thursday, Nicolás Maduro, the socialist leader of Venezuela, called for members of the Unified Socialist Party (PSUV) to defend the nation against “military threats from the United States.”
At a PSUV Congress event broadcasted on state media, Maduro encouraged party members to strategize for potential “armed struggle.” He stated, “The PSUV, being the ruling party, needs to prepare for armed conflict in the face of military assaults by US imperialism.”
“I propose that we expand our reach, covering grassroots and regional areas. This weekend, I urge all political and social forces of Venezuela’s Unified Socialist Party and the Revolution to come together,” he added during the broadcast.
According to Maduro, the Socialist Party is defining “future actions” for armed resistance to safeguard Venezuela’s “dignity” at the upcoming PSUV rally. This event also aims to address “integrating government capabilities” into Maduro’s agenda of “seven transformations.”
Maduro claimed that alongside leftist allies in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Alba, Venezuela has established “the most advanced defense doctrine in Latin America and the Caribbean” after moving away from colonial perspectives.
The Maduro administration has even incorporated animated content featuring his alter ego, Súper Bigote (“Super Mustache”), during the PSUV Congress, portraying the members as participating in “actions of resistance and reinvention” of the socialist revolution.
Maduro faces accusations from US officials regarding his alleged involvement in narcoterrorism. The US has placed a $50 million bounty on any information that could assist in his arrest or conviction. He is alleged to be a key figure in a drug trafficking organization that affects the US negatively.
Recently, the Maduro administration has voiced concerns about US military presence in Caribbean waters, suspecting it to be a cover for an “invasion” of Venezuela. Maduro suggested that this was a conspiracy involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and would lead to violence.
The administration has consistently criticized the ongoing deployment of US forces but has not provided evidence to support allegations of aggression from the US or Rubio.
Earlier on Thursday, Maduro revived the “Battlefront” initiative, part of the “Plan Independence 200,” aimed at preparing actions against potential US invasion. He declared that “the seas, lands, and mountains belong to the people of Venezuela and never to the American Empire.”
During the PSUV event, Diosdado Cabello, a prominent figure in the administration, passionately called for armed struggle, asserting the need for a “revolutionary war” against the US. He remarked, “It’s time to transition from a peaceful revolution to an armed struggle for our sovereignty.” He referenced Vietnam, pointing out that smaller nations can withstand powerful adversaries.
Cabello predicted that this conflict could last a century, but confidently asserted that Venezuela would ultimately prevail, suggesting that foreign forces would face significant challenges if they attempted to invade.
Christian K. Calzo documents life under socialism in Venezuela. Follow him on Twitter here.
