Venezuela Unveils New Peasant Militia Amid Rising Tensions with U.S. Forces

Venezuela has launched a new militia to defend against perceived threats from the United States, signaling escalating tensions amid military exercises in the region.

• Diosdado Cabello, a prominent Venezuelan politician, oversaw the swearing-in of the militia designed to protect the nation from what he calls enemies of the state.
• The formation of the militia coincides with military exercises in Venezuela, aimed at countering the United States naval and aerial deployments near its borders.
• Armed with machete and other tools, the newly formed militia reflects a growing militarization of civilian groups in Venezuela amid increasing geopolitical tensions.