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The US navy killed 17 in deadly strikes. Now Venezuela is giving civilians guns

September 27, 2025

Venezuela is mobilizing its National Bolivarian Militia, primarily composed of senior citizens, in response to recent US naval deployments in the South Caribbean. President Nicolás Maduro has called the militia to active duty after US forces destroyed three boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing at least 17 people. This escalation follows deteriorating US-Venezuela relations, with the Trump administration refusing to recognize Maduro's 2024 re-election and doubling the reward for his capture to $50 million.

Who is affected

  • Members of the National Bolivarian Militia, particularly senior citizens
  • Residents in Venezuelan neighborhoods like Petare and 23 de Enero
  • Venezuelan public sector workers reportedly pressured to join militia groups
  • The 17 people killed on boats destroyed by US forces
  • Venezuelan migrants being deported from the US

What action is being taken

  • The Venezuelan military (FANB) is training local militias in weapons handling
  • US naval forces are deployed in the South Caribbean conducting counter-narcotics operations
  • The US is destroying boats they claim are carrying drugs from Venezuela
  • The Maduro government is cooperating with the US by accepting deported Venezuelan migrants
  • Militia members are participating in training exercises in Caracas neighborhoods

Why it matters

  • The situation represents a significant escalation in tensions between Venezuela and the United States
  • Venezuela's defense minister has characterized the US actions as a "non-declared war"
  • The militia mobilization demonstrates Maduro's strategy to increase the potential human cost of any US military intervention
  • The conflict occurs against the backdrop of contested election results, with the US and other nations recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner
  • The US has designated Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group, which justifies deportations and military action

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC