As military tensions soar between Washington and Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has launched one of the most extensive domestic mobilization efforts in years—calling up millions of militia members and deploying forces along coastal regions after the U.S. escalated its naval, air, and marine presence in the Caribbean, culminating in a lethal strike on a suspected drug vessel.

Mass Mobilization Across Venezuela

Maduro and Defense Minister Diosdado Cabello have initiated sweeping militia enlistment, boasting 8.2 million civilians ready to defend the nation across some 15,751 communal defense bases.

They further deployed active-duty troops and reservists to strategic states such as Zulia, Falcón, Nueva Esparta, Sucre, and Delta Amacuro—tripling force strength from 10,000 to approximately 25,000 in these regions.

Addressing the nation in camouflage, Maduro warned that Venezuela would take up arms if “aggressed,” and accused the U.S. of orchestrating a “regime-change” campaign under the guise of anti-drug efforts.

U.S. Military Expansion in the Caribbean

The United States bolstered its operations in the southern Caribbean by deploying naval destroyers, cruisers, an amphibious assault ship, and a nuclear-powered submarine, along with 4,500 Marines and sailors.

In addition, 10 stealth fighter jets were dispatched to Puerto Rico, complementing ongoing air missions supported by previously deployed F-35s.

The Pentagon condemned a “highly provocative” flyover by two Venezuelan F-16s near the USS Jason Dunham, warning Caracas against further interference. U.S. President Trump asserted Venezuelan aircraft jeopardizing U.S. vessels “will be shot down.”

Controversial Strike and Legal Backlash

On September 2, a U.S. strike sank a boat linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, killing 11 individuals. The Trump administration labeled it a “narco-terrorist” operation, but experts raised questions about its legality under international and U.S. law.

Caracas denounced the attack as an “extrajudicial murder” and a pretext for regime change. Legal analysts cautioned that such unilateral actions in international waters risk violating maritime and war powers laws.

Geopolitical Stakes and Regional Implications

U.S. analysts see the Caribbean deployment as part of a strategic pivot toward Latin America, reshaping regional command priorities. Critics warn it could overextend U.S. forces and heighten instability.

Domestically, Maduro’s moves aim to galvanize loyalty through patriotic mobilization amid economic and political pressures. Internationally, the crisis echoes Cold War-era brinkmanship, prompting concern that a misstep could spiral into broader conflict.