Venezuela Swears in 5,600 Soldiers Amid Tensions with US
According to local outlets, citing a government release, the new enlistees were brought in due to "increasing imperialist threats," highlighting Washington's threats and the recent positioning of a naval fleet in the Caribbean.
In recent months, the US has intensified military maneuvers throughout Latin America, deploying Marines, warships, fighter jets, bombers, submarines, and drones across the region.
The official announcement underlined that the recruits pledged allegiance to President Nicolas Maduro and referred to the armed forces as the cornerstone of Venezuela's "stability, peace, security and future."
Major General Javier Jose Marcano Tabata told a state broadcaster that military enrollment and training programs have surged.
"Right now, while imperialism threatens our country illegally, arbitrarily, full of lies and insolently, our people, especially young people, are coming by the thousands to join the National Bolivarian Armed Forces," Marcano stated.
Government records indicate that Venezuela maintains roughly 200,000 active soldiers, another 200,000 police personnel, and millions of reserve militia members.
Since September, the United States has executed at least 22 operations against vessels suspected of carrying narcotics in the region, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 individuals.
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