SHOTLIST:

CARACAS, VENEZUELA - SEPT. 13, 2025: More than 300 strategic points have been activated in Venezuela for the training of the Bolivarian National Militia, according to reports.

The US military has deployed warships with missiles and a nuclear-powered submarine to the Caribbean near the Venezuelan coast along with 10 F-35 fighter jets to an air base in Puerto Rico as part of a ramped-up effort to combat drug cartels.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned Thursday (Sept. 11) that anyone who calls for an invasion of his country will be "immediately tried" and declared a "traitor to the homeland."

He reiterated that Venezuela would engage in "armed struggle" if attacked by the United States.

"Anyone who calls for bombing or invading the country is a traitor to the homeland and must be tried immediately, wherever they are," he said

Maduro also announced Operation Independencia 200 on 284 "battle fronts" across the country and ordered the mobilization of ships, the enlistment of millions of militia members, and a "special reinforcement" of the military presence in five coastal regions. He called for "guaranteeing all coasts, from end to end, free of imperialists, invaders, and violent groups" and said that if Venezuela has to "fight again," it will do so for its freedom.