Maduro kicks off Venezuela's 'most important military drills in history' (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

[Oele]

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has launched what he described as the ‘most important’ drills in history, preparing to repel any potential invasion after the US and its allies backed self-proclaimed ‘interim president’ Guaido.

The drills will last until February 15 and are set to become the largest military exercises the country has held in its 200-year history, President Maduro reiterated, as he arrived at Guaicaipuro Fort in Miranda State.

“We must prepare to defend [Venezuela's] sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence,” the elected head of state proclaimed, apparently fearing that Washington’s calls for a regime change and its aggressive backing of opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido might escalate into a direct military invasion.

Guaido, who proclaimed himself ‘interim president’ of Venezuela in January and got the immediate blessing of the United States and its allies in Europe and across Latin America, did not rule out that he might have to make a “controversial” decision to “authorize” a “humanitarian” intervention. The Trump administration also said all options remain on the table to rid Venezuelans of the “oppressive dictator” Maduro.

more @ https://www.rt.com/news/451155-maduro-venezuela-historic-military-drills/

[DetlefK]

1. Please be careful with RT. They habitually lie by omission.

They craft a narrative and don't report the facts that would question that narrative.

[GatoGordo]

2. Nick's disco party. Could that be "YMCA" I hear in the background? The Macarena?

Link to tweet

Translation: We advance in the consolidation of our new Military Doctrine, the "War of the Whole People", based on the ideals of our liberators and resumed, for the Integral Defense of the Nation, by our Commander Chávez.

Yes, Nick was having a big old disco dance party, complete with more red flags of the revolution (PSUV) than the national flag of Venezuela. Had it been in black and white (and orderly, professional and remotely choreographed), it might remind a historically minded person of Germany in the 1930's.

If the Chavistas can be counted on for anything, its their wholesale buy-in to symbolism. The "Chavez eyes" and the "Chavez signature" are plastered on every flat surface. And of course, they have attached the "Bolivarian" name to each and every government entity. Significant, since The Revolution is what is important, and not Venezuela.