Lopez, who made a statement on his social media account, stated that the mobilization of 200,000 soldiers was aimed at preparing for the threats faced by the country and that this was considered as part of new drills.
Lopez, targeting the military movements of the US in the Caribbean region, said:
“Peace in the Caribbean is under threat because of a lies fabricated by the US State Department. The purpose of this lie is to divert attention from serious internal problems in the United States. They will continue their falsehoods, inconsistencies, and hateful attacks against Venezuela. On our side, there will be more work, more unity, and love for the homeland.”
According to the news in the national press, the mobilization launched across the country will last for 2 days, and after this period, a new assessment will be made depending on the situation.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s National Assembly President (AN) Jorge Rodriguez, without naming anyone, responded to the US during a live broadcast on the state television VTV.
Emphasizing that the Law on the National Comprehensive Defense Command will come into effect after its publication in the Official Gazette, Rodriguez said, “We approve a new law; this law establishes how troops will be deployed, the implementation of orders, the regulation of military movements, and most importantly, a new understanding of defense based on cooperation between the people and the Armed Forces.”
WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE?
US President Donald Trump had previously issued a decree which instructed the military to use more and effective force against Latin American-origin drug cartels under the justification of fighting on the ground.
In this context, the US sent a naval force consisting of submarines and warships to the waters off Venezuela at the end of August. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also stated that the US military was ready to carry out operations including regime change in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s President Maduro, in response, announced that he had mobilized 4.5 million militia forces across the country and was ready to repel any attack.
The continued targeting of some vessels near Venezuela by the US, on grounds of drug smuggling, has led to criticism both from the Venezuelan government and the international public, with the attacks being “contrary to international law”.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier sent by the US under the pretext of “fighting drug trafficking”, and its attack group, were reported to have arrived in the Latin American region.
