Nicolás Maduro, who recently began his third term as president of Venezuela following a controversial re-election, announced on Sunday that military and police exercises would take place in the country on January 22 and 23. The goal of these maneuvers is to ensure the “peace” and “sovereignty” of the nation.
¿Exercises to Defend Sovereignty?
In a video posted on Telegram, Maduro explained that the activities would focus on protecting key areas of the country: borders, coasts, cities, and other “vital elements.” According to his statement, the exercises will demonstrate Venezuela’s ability to live in peace, maintain its sovereignty, and defend democracy.
“We will defend the borders, coasts, cities, and vital elements of the country. All united to guarantee peace, national sovereignty, and true democracy,” said Maduro, emphasizing national unity in this effort.
Escudo Bolivariano 2025 Exercises
Maduro also mentioned that the exercises, which will be called “Escudo Bolivariano 2025,” will be a popular military and police event. This will be the first major exercise of the year and, according to Maduro, an example of Venezuela’s strength and determination.
Preparation Against “Threats”
The president also responded to what he sees as external threats, particularly from two former Colombian presidents, Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque. Both have recently called for an international intervention in Venezuela, which has raised concerns in Maduro’s government.
Edmundo González, como presidente legítimo de Venezuela, y ante la usurpación, debe convocar a la comunidad internacional y especialmente a los países del sistema interamericano, al igual que otros países comprometidos con la democracia para que adelanten un intervención…
— Iván Duque 🇨🇴 (@IvanDuque) January 11, 2025
In the face of these threats, Maduro ordered the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) and the country’s police forces to prepare, ensuring that “the rifles” are ready. He also called for the unity of all intelligence and counterintelligence forces in the country, as well as the general population, to keep active the plans that, according to him, were crucial in confronting past threats like “fascism” and “Uribism.”
Border Vigilance
Maduro also instructed the military to maintain strict control over the borders, particularly in areas that border Colombia and Brazil, countries that share an extensive border with Venezuela. He also requested that they continue with the Rapid Reaction Units (URRAS) and special operations of the FANB to ensure constant surveillance.
Rejection of Military Intervention
On January 11, former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe proposed an international intervention in Venezuela, supported by the United Nations, to remove Maduro from power. Such suggestions have drawn strong criticism from the Venezuelan government, which views them as an attack on its sovereignty.
Luego de recorrer TODOS los caminos, incluyendo ganar una elección con el 70% de los votos, hay que considerar seriamente esta propuesta. Me atrevo a decir que la inmensa mayoría de los venezolanos están de acuerdo. https://t.co/EwKRdJV7qY
— Leopoldo López (@leopoldolopez) January 11, 2025
Maduro, for his part, rejected this possibility, clarifying that Venezuelans do not want military intervention, but instead “democracy, liberty, understanding, harmony, reconciliation, and reunion.”
Preparing to Defend the “Homeland”
In a defiant tone, Maduro also warned that Venezuela, along with Cuba and Nicaragua, is ready to “take up arms” if necessary, in order to defend the “right to peace” and the “homeland.”
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