Venezuela has launched large-scale military training programs for civilians as tensions with the United States intensify. President Nicolás Maduro has ordered all members of the Bolivarian militia to join the nationwide exercise, named Operation Independence 200. Training sessions have already begun across hundreds of military bases, with civilians enlisting at army barracks. One participant remarked, “It feels incredible. Military training is essential for us as Venezuelan citizens—we need this experience.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López personally inspected the drills, stressing that such large-scale exercises will now be held regularly. The move comes shortly after U.S. forces deployed in the Caribbean, further straining relations between the two nations.