On Nov 11, Venezuelan President and Supreme Commander of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) Nicolás Maduro officially promulgated the Comprehensive Homeland Defense Command Legislation, approved by the Venezuelan legislature in November. This integrates military and civilian capabilities in accordance with the strategic doctrine covering both military and non-military forms of struggle against US threats in the Caribbean.
The law deepens the nation’s civil-military integration doctrine to guarantee sovereignty and peace, activating a unified defense command that unites all public institutions, including the Bolivarian National Armed Forces and popular power organizations. It will be implemented across three levels: national, state, and local.
Maduro stated that the primary goal is to strengthen the military’s defensive capabilities and cohesion, particularly with scenarios in mind that could respond to the recent deployment of the US aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean.
The activation of the Comprehensive Homeland Defense Command began on Nov 12. Under the “Independence 200 Plan,” the capital Caracas and several states were designated as Integrated Defense Operation Zones (ZODI). For the first time on a national scale, it will carry out the objective of conducting military and police training for the masses, coordinating and improving in real time the deployment and positioning of units and weapons.
Additionally, amid strengthened military-civilian cooperation, the overall national operational system is being adjusted, defensive positions are being established at strategic points, and carrying out mobilization procedures and evacuation drills. The Bolivarian Defense Forces and security agencies have been tasked with protecting critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, gas, food, and transportation, as well as government facilities.
Maduro emphasized regarding these measures, “Venezuela’s truth and justice are on our side,” and “We stand on the right side of history.”
He further stressed, “We are defending a cause more sacred than any we have defended before,” adding, “It is in our law and on our land, and nothing and no one should shake our peace and stability.”
He also declared that Venezuela is a peaceful nation but is prepared to fight for its freedom and sovereignty.
