In response to external threats against national sovereignty, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced the start of a 72-hour national defense military exercise on Thursday, aimed at “keeping the machinery oiled — the machinery for peace.”

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According to the president, the move seeks to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to potential aggressions, particularly from the United States government.

During a public address, the he reiterated that the decision comes amid “hostile actions” intended to destabilize Venezuela, and further ordered the immediate deployment of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, the Militia, and police units along the nation’s coastal and border regions.

As part of the operation, high-tech defense systems — including anti-aircraft equipment — have been installed at 73 strategic points across the country. Each command center has extended coverage to ten additional zones to ensure comprehensive protection of Venezuela’s coastline.

President Maduro also highlighted support from allied nations such as Russia and China, which have provided military equipment and logistical assistance, enabling — in his words — “complete coverage of all Venezuelan coasts.”

The president further denounced the ongoing hybrid war targeting Venezuela over the past ten weeks, combining military pressure with propaganda that has disrupted access to digital platforms and spread misinformation.

Finally, President Maduro called on the country’s workforce to actively resist this “media warfare,” urging citizens to “fight the communicational war that the empire is waging through digital platforms.”

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