When Edith Perales was younger, he enlisted in the National Bolivarian Militia, a civilian force created by the late President Hugo Chávez in 2009 to help defend Venezuela.
Sixteen years on, Perales, now 68, joins thousands of other militia members preparing for a potential attack from the US, following the deployment of US naval ships in the South Caribbean under the pretext of counter-narcotics.
The US has killed at least 17 people on boats it claims were transporting drugs to the US, escalating tensions and leading Venezuelan leaders to label the actions as a 'non-declared war.'
Perales is part of a militia primarily composed of senior citizens, and he believes it is crucial to defend every inch of Venezuelan territory. He stands ready with his uniform to protect his neighborhood in Caracas, a stronghold of support for the Maduro regime.
Despite reports or evidence of an invasion, the undeniable fact remains that US-Venezuela relations are further deteriorating, particularly with Donald Trump back in power. The Venezuelan government has accused the US of meddling in its affairs, and it has intensified militia training across the country.
In Petare, Caracas' largest slum, soldiers train locals, many of whom have no prior weapon experience, to prepare for any potential conflict. Volunteers like 69-year-old Francisco Ojeda are adamant about their willingness to defend their homeland, although many civilians remain untroubled by the potential for US intervention.
Political analysts suggest that the Maduro government aims to increase the human cost of any military action by involving civilians, hence the empowerment and mobilization of the militia.
While some residents express fervor in supporting the military efforts, life continues normally in other neighborhoods, showcasing the varied perceptions about the US threat throughout Caracas.
