Speaking at meetings with governors and mayors from his ruling coalition, Maduro announced plans to strengthen rural and urban militias and organize combat groups in factories and workplaces, Xinhua’s news agency reported.
He described the move as “a perfect fusion of people, police and military,” ensuring the peace and sovereignty of the country, and saying “people are ready to resist attacks.”
Maduro’s announcement follows comments by Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino Lopez.
Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi offered a US$50 million reward for information that led to Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of having ties to international drug trafficking.
Maduro has denied the claim.
MA/PR