The President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro, led this Wednesday the deployment of the “Escudo Bolivariano” (Bolivarian Shield) 2025 exercise carried out by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces. The Head of State took the opportunity to confirm that former Colombian Presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque are public enemies of the FANB, of the people of Venezuela and of the civic, military and police fusion.
It should be remembered that both former presidents have called for foreign interventions against Venezuela, with the purpose of carrying out a coup d’état and destabilizing the peace of the country.
Maduro explained that one of the key points of these Bolivarian Shield 2025 exercises is to reinforce the defense of land and sea borders, as well as rivers and Venezuelan airspace:
“(A) Sovereignty that is not exercised gets atrophy, and if it is neglected, criminal groups, terrorists and drug traffickers that we have fought fiercely would enter. If you want peace, prepare to defend it, preserve it and build it. Venezuelan men and women, put yourselves at the forefront of the defense of your territory,” he stressed.
In addition, he emphasized the need to “be prepared for any attempt to violate Venezuelan sovereignty,” referring to recent situations where “aircraft of dubious origin tried to bring in unauthorized humanitarian aid.”
From the Military Academy in Fort Tiuna, he reported on the activation of the Integral Defense Management Body (ODDI), which must be extended to all communities in the country to consolidate an integral defense: “This must be the most comprehensive exercise since its planning,” he said.
The president asserted that the exercises include the protection of vital infrastructure and communication routes. He mentioned as a priority the protection of essential facilities such as military units, airports, hospitals and educational centers.
“By land, air and sea we will make Venezuela respected from terrorist groups, paramilitarism and those who try to threaten the nation… Venezuela’s commitment as a peaceful nation that always advocates for peace. All the capacity of the State is deployed to, together with the people, increase order and internal peace. This year, we have set the tone to advance firmly towards the comprehensive defense of the nation.”
Regarding the upcoming 10th anniversary of the beginning of the military exercises, the president pointed out that this first “Escudo Bolivariano 2025” exercise is with the aim of guaranteeing peace, sovereignty, freedom and true democracy in the country.
