The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, announced the activation of three Integral Defense Operational Zones (ZODIs) to safeguard the Venezuelan Atlantic seas and the entire Caribbean-Atlantic coastline. The announcement was made during the 94th edition of his weekly “Con Maduro+” program.
The head of state explained that the ZODIs correspond to the Nueva Esparta, Sucre, and Delta Amacuro states, and their formal activation is scheduled for midnight Tuesday, October 14. This measure is part of the strategic deployment to strengthen the country’s maritime sovereignty.
He noted that this activation is part of an ongoing process to ensure that Venezuela «is prepared to continue achieving peace, exercising its sovereignty independently.» He reiterated his slogan: «If you want peace, prepare to win it,» emphasizing the preventive nature of these operations.
Later, early Tuesday morning, the Head of State confirmed that the Nueva Esparta, Sucre, and Delta Amacuro Integral Defense Zones (ZODI) are activated as part of Operation Independence 200 «to review and maintain the 27 territorial operations in optimal condition.»
In a message posted on his channel on Telegram, President Maduro indicated that the Integral Defense Plan combines preparation for prolonged, active, and creative popular resistance and a permanent offensive:
«We have taken the initiative in all fields and terrains. Furthermore, the entire military force of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) is deployed to review all tasks in conjunction with the country’s legitimate civilian political authorities,» he stated.
Finally, he asserted that the powerful grassroots movement and the police forces are perfectly aligned, fine-tuning the machinery to guarantee peace every day throughout the country.
The current activation continues the defensive deployment initiated last week, when ZODI units were activated in eight states: La Guaira, Zulia, Anzoátegui, Monagas, Bolívar, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Twenty-seven integral territorial protection tasks were also successfully completed in these areas.