President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has ordered the deployment of heavy weapons and missile systems along the country’s Caribbean coastline in response to increased United States military presence in the region.
The state-run broadcaster VTV reported Maduro’s remarks on the new defensive measures covering the capital Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira on the Caribbean Sea.
Maduro stated that he had instructed the deployment of heavy weapons and missiles in the specified areas, saying: “There is a comprehensive defensive plan for the entire Caracas–La Guaira line. I have mapped it out in detail, street by street and neighbourhood by neighbourhood. All heavy weapon systems and missile units will be in full operational readiness.”
He added: “With this, we will be prepared to defend the Caracas–La Guaira axis and the mountain ranges stretching all the way to the Caribbean.”
Maduro explained that a team of experts did not prepare the plan, but by the residents living between the capital and the coastal region, as well as the communities surrounding the port of La Guaira and Simón Bolívar International Airport, the country’s main aviation hub.
The president also reminded the public of the special militia units operating under the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, composed of civilians who have received military training. He stated that they are prepared to wage a long-term war if necessary.
In August, United States President Donald Trump issued an executive order expanding military deployment under the pretext of “combating drug cartels” in Latin America.
Following the order, Washington announced the dispatch of warships and a submarine to waters off the Venezuelan coast. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the military was ready for operations, including potential regime change in Venezuela.
In response, Maduro announced the mobilisation of around 4.5 million personnel within Venezuela, declaring that the country was ready to repel any attack.
US military strikes on boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, allegedly targeting drug-trafficking vessels and directly killing those on board, have sparked international controversy over what many describe as “extrajudicial killings”.
