Venezuela swore in 5,600 new troops on December 6, 2025, as tensions escalate with the United States over a controversial military buildup in the Caribbean. The move comes days after Washington deployed warships to the region under counter-narcotics operations that Caracas calls a pretext for regime change.
President Nicolás Maduro accused the U.S. of planning to seize Venezuela's oil reserves through 'illegal and extravagant aggression,' during a ceremony at Fuerte Tiuna military complex. Colonel Gabriel Alejandro Rendón Vílchez vowed to resist any 'imperialist invasion,' while state media reported Venezuela now maintains 200,000 active troops and 200,000 police officers.
The U.S. State Department recently designated Maduro's administration as a 'terrorist organization,' alleging ties to drug trafficking networks. American forces have conducted over 22 maritime strikes in the region this year, resulting in 83 casualties according to Venezuelan reports.
International attention intensified after Maduro held urgent talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday. Ankara expressed 'deep concern' about the Caribbean military deployments, urging Washington and Caracas to maintain dialogue channels. Erdoğan's office stated: 'We hope tensions ease through peaceful means.'
Analysts suggest the developments reflect growing global competition for energy resources, with Venezuela holding the world's largest proven oil reserves. Regional security experts warn the Caribbean could become a flashpoint as major powers vie for influence in 2025.
