Venezuela Launches Enlistment Campaign Amid Growing Tensions
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced the initiation of a recruitment campaign for the Bolivarian National Militia, which began early Friday, August 29, 2025. Over 1,167 enlistment points have been established nationwide as part of increased defense measures in response to perceived threats, reports 24brussels.
Padrino López highlighted that the recruitment efforts are part of the “Simón Bolívar Great National Plan for Sovereignty and Peace,” with enlistment activities scheduled for August 29 and 30 across 335 cities, including rural and indigenous communities. He emphasized that these campaigns are designed to bolster Venezuela’s national unity against foreign aggression.
“It is with national unity that we will clear the path of military aggression that US imperialism is pursuing against Venezuela,” stated Padrino López. He further noted that Venezuelans are aware of the forces behind the military threats directed at the country. The recruitment campaign is seen as a vital measure to support Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition to the enlistment drives, Padrino López condemned a recent psychological operation orchestrated by the United States and major media outlets aimed at undermining the Venezuelan government. He criticized these efforts as “completely absurd” and stated that they were intended to portray the Venezuelan leadership as linked to drug cartels, a claim he dismissed as lacking credibility.
Furthermore, the Minister reaffirmed international solidarity with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amidst ongoing US interventionist threats. “The military threat is an act of rejection and repudiation, in addition to being contrary to international law,” he remarked.
Padrino López also indicated that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) have deployed 15,000 troops to Venezuela’s western border as part of a strategy to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. These forces will collaborate with existing operations in the states of Táchira and Apure, highlighting Venezuela’s commitment to maintaining peace and combating criminal activities in the region.
