Nicolás Maduro deploys military plan across four states amid tension with the U.S.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has launched the “Independence 200” military plan in the states of Mérida, Trujillo, Lara, and Yaracuy, citing a “direct threat” from the United States. The operation involves military, police, and civilian militias, expanding to over ten regions, including border areas with Colombia, to bolster national defense. While Caracas accuses Washington of intelligence flights and regime change attempts, the U.S. insists its Caribbean military presence is part of anti-narcotics operations. The deployment strengthens Venezuela’s Operational Zones of Integral Defense (ZODI) and marks another escalation in the diplomatic standoff.

Lucas and Clara comment: When borde ...