Members of the Bolivarian militia during a parade in the streets of the Guarataro neighborhood in Caracas on August 19, 2025. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro announced on August 19, 2025, the deployment of 4.5 million militia members in response to US "threats", which raised the reward for information leading his capture, and the US military-led anti-drug operation in the Caribbean. (Photo by Pedro MATTEY / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO MATTEY/AFP via Getty Images)

President Trump has once again targeted Venezuela’s military forces, sharing a video on Truth Social that depicted overweight women participating in militia training exercises. The post accompanied a claim that U.S. forces had intercepted the group during training, labeling it a “very serious threat.”

The U.S. has recently deployed warships, F-35 fighter jets, and a nuclear-powered submarine to the southern Caribbean, framing the move as part of an anti-drug and anti-terrorism operation. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Washington of seeking regime change and violating his nation’s sovereignty. In response, Venezuela has conducted civilian military drills, including weapon handling and first aid training, amid escalating regional tensions.

Maduro recently reached out to U.S. officials, denying allegations of drug trafficking and proposing direct talks with a special envoy. The U.S. has faced criticism for its strikes on speedboats in the region, which have killed over a dozen individuals, though no conclusive evidence has been provided to confirm their involvement in criminal activity.