247 - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Wednesday (15) a new military reinforcement in strategic areas of the country, including the activation of the Integral Defense Zone (ZODI) in the states of Táchira, Apure and Amazonas, which border Colombia. The measure was presented as part of a scheme to strengthen national security. The information was published by the Venezolana de Televisión broadcaster.
Furthermore, Maduro announced, on his social media, popular mobilizations in the capital, Caracas:"The ZODIs of Caracas and Miranda have been fully activated, in a perfect popular-military-police fusion, from Catia to Barlovento, from Petare to La Pastora, from Caricuao to the Tuy Valleys, passing through the Altos Mirandinos. We will continue achieving Peace!"
During a telephone address, Maduro declared that Venezuela belongs exclusively to its people and that the government will continue to expand defense preparedness."Each Comprehensive Defense Zone that is activated sets an example and surpasses itself, just as we surpass ourselves day by day in defense preparedness, preparing active, creative, and prolonged popular resistance. Venezuela belongs to Venezuelans. We will continue to win peace, exercising our full sovereignty, and defending the right to life and the joy of a people building their greatest possible happiness," he stated.
The president described the recent military exercises held in the east and center of the country as an"absolute success," emphasizing that these trainings represent an exercise in sovereignty with the mobilization of military, police, and civilian forces."Venezuela today becomes an example. At this moment, as I speak, we are an example of dignity, courage, and a peaceful, decent, and hard-working people," he added.
Conflict with the United States
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with Washington. According to Caracas, the United States is conducting military operations and bombings in waters near Venezuelan territory, claiming to be fighting drug cartels, but without providing any evidence. In August, the US government mobilized a large military contingent in the Caribbean.
Maduro again accused the US of pursuing a strategy of"multifaceted war" against Venezuela, aiming to destabilize the government and impose a regime aligned with its economic interests."The Venezuelan state is being targeted by an armed aggression to impose a puppet government and steal our oil, gas, gold, and all our natural resources," he denounced.
Despite external pressure, Maduro emphasized that internal preparedness will remain a priority."We must increase all comprehensive defense preparation tasks. Maximum preparedness must be increasingly enhanced, with absolute confidence in the destiny of our homeland," he said.
Trump announces imminent attack
Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had authorized the country's spy agency, the CIA, to carry out operations in Venezuela aimed at trying to overthrow the Maduro government.
According to Trump, the authorization was granted for"two reasons." First, because he believes Caracas has"emptied its prisons for the United States." He has never presented any evidence and has even accused the South American nation of sending "a lot of drugs" to the United States.
"We're looking at the land now, the sea is under control," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about conducting attacks on Venezuelan territory.
When asked if the CIA had the"authority to remove" the Chavista leader from power, the US president simply replied:"I don't want to answer that question; it's a ridiculous question. It would be ridiculous for me to answer that question. But I believe Venezuela is feeling the pressure, and I think many countries are feeling the pressure as well."
Earlier, the New York Times reported that Trump authorized"lethal" operations against high-ranking officials in Maduro's Bolivarian government, amid increased U.S. military pressure in the Caribbean Sea and pro-coup rhetoric backed by sectors of the Venezuelan opposition.
