Propaganda Machine: Maduro Tries to Mask Venezuela’s Military Vulnerabilities with Anti-US Mobilization

Furthermore, according to the American newspaper, Venezuela’s forces, which military experts estimate to consist of 125,000 soldiers, are shown in videos marching in formation, with troops mounting armored vehicles and transporting ammunition crates. The country’s Russian-made fighter jets are also seen flying overhead. ‘The people are ready for combat, ready for battle,’ declared the chavista to a crowd of supporters earlier this week.
Áveil of Smoke’
Yet, the attempt to showcase power did not translate into tangible actions amidst the US escalation. After Venezuelan planes approached American vessels, the US sent F-35 American fighters to Puerto Rico. Caracas did not react, and no provocative or deterrent movements were made. Maduro’s response to the Caribbean stand-off, in addition to urging the population to arms and surrounding himself with military personnel, focused on recruiting indigenous peoples and civilians to reinforce the militias, portrayed as the defense against a potential US landing. ‘If you want peace, prepare to achieve it,’ he stated in a speech broadcast on state TV.
The images of officials close to Maduro, like Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, show the chavista leadership supervising defenses in various regions. The government is also believed to receive support from armed groups in Colombia, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), which, according to former Colombian intelligence officer Alberto Romero, has been operating in the country for years. Despite the rhetoric of resistance, Venezuela faces serious military and economic limitations. Former officials and experts consulted by WSJ point out the Armed Forces weakened by lack of resources, poor nutrition, and extremely low morale. Edward Rodriguez, a former colonel exiled in the US, describes Maduro’s mobilization as a ‘veil of smoke’ to buy time.