Maduro’s forces prepared for guerrilla war, ‘anarchization’ if the US invades Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is allegedly preparing to launch guerilla warfare against any invading force. AFP via Getty Images
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s military is reportedly preparing for a long, grinding guerrilla conflict and nationwide chaos should the United States attempt a ground invasion to remove him from power, according to a new report.
Although Maduro is well aware that his forces are no match for the strength of the U.S. military, his strategy is aimed at avoiding a direct confrontation. Instead, Venezuela plans to rely on sabotage, dispersed fighters, and disruptive tactics designed to prevent the U.S. from swiftly ousting him or installing a new government.
Tensions have continued to rise as the U.S. positions more than a dozen warships — including the USS Gerald R. Ford — in the Caribbean. A Marine Expeditionary Unit capable of amphibious landings has also been deployed as part of President Trump’s effort to curtail drug trafficking operations tied to Venezuela.
Despite official claims that the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela total roughly 123,000 personnel, the country’s military suffers from chronic issues: poor training, low morale, equipment shortages, and frequent desertions. Much of their equipment is outdated, including Soviet-era hardware acquired under former president Hugo Chávez. While Venezuela does possess around 20 Sukhoi fighter jets, analysts say these would be ineffective against advanced American aircraft.
Maduro has often touted the existence of an eight-million-member civilian militia. However, experts believe only a small fraction of loyalists would actually be willing or able to take up arms.
If conflict erupts, Venezuela’s plan reportedly involves “prolonged resistance.” Military units have been ordered to spread out into more than 280 locations nationwide and prepare for guerrilla strikes, sabotage, and ambushes. Maduro has also deployed thousands of Russian-made Igla shoulder-launched missiles, intended for surprise attacks. Defensive positions and anti-vehicle barriers have been installed along key routes leading to Caracas.
Another part of the strategy is what officials describe as “anarchization” — using intelligence operatives, loyalist groups, and pro-government networks to create disorder in the capital. This would be intended to make the country ungovernable for any U.S.-backed transitional leadership.
It remains unclear whether outside groups or allies would join the fight. Colombia’s border regions contain guerrilla organizations such as the National Liberation Army, and pro-Maduro motorcycle gangs have previously been used to confront protesters. Criminal and drug-trafficking networks operating inside the country may also be drawn into the conflict, especially since U.S. pressure on Maduro is partly tied to accusations of narcotics trafficking — accusations he denies. Maduro has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. is fabricating charges to justify seizing Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
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