Venezuela initiated the Bolivarian Shield 2025 military exercises to prepare civilian, police, and military forces for national defense.

The event, which marked its 10th consecutive year, was inaugurated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the High Military Command, including Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino Lopez. The drills involved deploying 159 naval vessels, 50 aircraft, 250 armored vehicles, and 150,000 personnel in 290 targeted exercises.

"Our constitutional mission is to prepare ourselves. These exercises demonstrate civic-police fusion and deploy us across all levels and systems of territorial organization," stated Gen. Domingo Hernandez, Operational Strategic Commander of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).

Key objectives of Bolivarian Shield 2025

For his part, Maduro said, "This must be the most comprehensive and perfect exercise in terms of territorial defense. If you want peace, prepare to defend and build it." He elaborated on the role of the Integral Defense Directional Organs (ODDI), which are activated in communities and states nationwide.

The Venezuelan president outlined the key objectives of Bolivarian Shield 2025, starting with securing full control over national territory to counter threats from transnational far-right groups.

"We have successfully dismantled these criminal groups at their root. With few exceptions in isolated areas, these groups have been defeated and eradicated," he noted.

Another priority, as per Maduro, is protecting maritime, aerospace, and terrestrial borders, particularly with Colombia, where transnational groups have attempted to infiltrate.

The Venezuelan president highlighted recent calls from former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe for international military intervention against Venezuela, emphasizing the need to safeguard sovereignty.

"Sovereignty that is not exercised over the territory is sovereignty lost in practice. Neglecting this task would allow the entry of terrorist and violent groups into the country," Maduro added.

Additionally, the drills focus on defending vital infrastructure, including communication routes, airports, hospitals, and urban areas, according to the Venezuelan president.

He also stressed that the goal is to ensure a rapid, integrated response to threats against national peace.

The big picture 

Venezuela has also established a humanitarian corridor along its border with Colombia to assist victims of violence stemming from clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the remnants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

As part of Operation Mercury, 680 personnel from the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Protection, and Firefighters were mobilized in Zulia state. At Catatumbo Airport, the Simon Bolívar Humanitarian Task Force was trained to intercept potential threats disguised as humanitarian aid.

In La Guajira, military exercises showcased the capacity to defend aquatic, aerial, and terrestrial spaces using layered strategies.

President Maduro reiterated Venezuela’s commitment to peace and solidarity with displaced Colombians, noting that six million have been welcomed over the years.

"We remain vigilant. Due to Colombia’s internal conflict, over 30,000 displaced people have arrived in our territory, and we have provided them with humanitarian assistance," stated Tachira Governor Freddy Bernal.

It is worth noting that the drills also highlighted the morale, cohesion, and patriotism of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces.