The U.S. Aims to Decapitate Maduro, Venezuela Mobilizes 4.5 Million Militia Members, Can They Hold Back?
U.S. President Trump has dispatched three Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyers and thousands of Marines near the coast of Venezuela. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson stated that the U.S. will use all national powers to combat drug trafficking, and military action is not ruled out.
In the official definition of the Trump administration, Maduro himself is considered "one of the world's largest drug traffickers," with a $50 million bounty on his head.
Therefore, this so-called "military deployment for drug control" is in effect very close to a prelude to a decapitation operation.
In response, Maduro urgently announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia members nationwide, calling them the key force to protect national sovereignty and peace, and demanding that the entire population be prepared to resist foreign aggression.
But can mobilizing 4.5 million militia members really hold back an American strike? From a military perspective, Venezuela has about 150,000 regular troops and a large number of paramilitary forces, including the National Police, reserve forces, and the recently expanded Bolivarian Militia.
On the surface, this widespread armed mobilization could create broad ground resistance, but the core weakness lies in outdated weapons and equipment, a fragmented command system, and being almost powerless against the U.S. air superiority.
If the U.S. adopts a decapitation and surprise attack approach, it could eliminate Maduro and key centers through precise intelligence and long-range strikes, followed by special forces to push for a regime change. These militia members may not even have time to react.
Of course, we cannot completely underestimate Venezuela's ability to resist.
On one hand, Maduro indeed controls the core of the military and government, with senior officers closely tied to the regime. If invaded, they may adopt a scorched earth tactic and long-term resistance.
The urban terrain of Caracas is complex, and city street fighting is unfavorable for foreign troops to operate.
More importantly, although the militia cannot fight conventional wars, if it evolves into a long-term guerrilla war, it will greatly extend the U.S. battlefield, increase costs and casualties.
In addition, Iran and Russia may provide intelligence and weapon support, making it difficult for the U.S. to quickly resolve the situation.
However, from a broader perspective, whether Maduro can block this surgical-style strike that could start at any time still highly depends on the U.S. action method.
If the U.S. only makes a show of force, trying to pressure Maduro into yielding through military presence, this militia mobilization can indeed play a certain deterrent role.
But if the U.S. really decides to act and adopts a decapitation strike combined with limited military intervention, Venezuela's resistance forces will find it hard to truly change the outcome of the situation.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841129534597128/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.