Venezuelans in Ciudad BolĂvar, BolĂvar state, massively enlist in the Bolivarian Militia, heeding President Nicolás Maduro's call amid new US military threats, August 23, 2025. Photo: Sergio Hernández/Ăšltimas Noticias.
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro called Saturday’s military enlistment for the Bolivarian National Militia a “wonderful success.” He made this announcement on Saturday, August 23, during the launch of the SimĂłn BolĂvar National Plan for Sovereignty and Peace as a response to US military threats against the nation.
People heed the call to enlist
The people took to BolĂvar Square and other venues all over Venezuela to heed the call to enlist in the militia, as reported by Ăšltimas Noticias.
President Maduro stated, “We have seen a gigantic expression of nationalism, patriotism and love for Venezuela,” referring to the response across the country. He emphasized that the entire population has begun the process of enlisting in the ranks of the Bolivarian Militia, in both territorial and combat corps.
“Together with their families and communities, they are taking the step to join the national defense system that the country has built over the years and that guarantees us peace, the full exercise of national sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” he said.
Defending the homeland
The Venezuelan president emphasized that the people have taken this step in defense of the homeland.
“Whoever does not defend their family is not capable of defending themselves. Whoever does not love their homeland, whoever does not love their family, is capable of nothing,” President Maduro said in a televised interview. “Whoever does not admire the history of our homeland and its right to sovereignty and self-determination has lost their soul. They have already lost their life. They are zombies. And fortunately, in Venezuela, we do not have zombies. The fascists may be zombies. But the nationalist, patriotic people have taken a step forward in defending the homeland.”
A growing civic-military force
Since the arrival of Hugo Chávez to the presidency, civic-military unity has risen to unprecedented levels. The Bolivarian Militia has become an essential component of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), with more than 5 million militia members already enlisted, according to the latest figures released by President Maduro.
Venezuela’s military doctrine is based on the War of All People doctrine, inspired by the victorious Vietnamese and Cuban experiences.
Enlistment continues
On Thursday, August 21, President Maduro called for the militia enlistment process for the weekend. “I have called for a national enlistment process for the entire Bolivarian National Militia at military barracks, central public squares, and the headquarters of the 15,751 Popular Bases for Integral Defense. It will take place on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24,” he announced that day.
He also called on the Venezuelan people to continue joining the militia enlistment process, which continues on Sunday.
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“Today, Saturday, was a complete success, the beginning of this dynamic reorganization of all popular forces, the military, the police and the defense system. Tomorrow, Sunday, we will continue, as announced, in the main BolĂvar squares of all the municipalities in the country,” he stated.
“The order is given: defend the homeland. Under any circumstances: maximum military, popular and police unity,” he declared.
Photo gallery (images from Telesur, Ăšltimas Noticias and La IguanaTV)
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/JRE/SC
