Overview

• Venezuela announced the deployment of more than 15,000 security personnel to Táchira and Zulia to reinforce anti-narcotics operations, with added aircraft, drones and riverine patrols, according to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
• Maduro ordered another nationwide militia registration on Aug. 29–30 after weekend sign-ups, saying the effort will complete the first step of activating the defensive system.
• Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López emphasized the process is voluntary registration for the Milicia Nacional Bolivariana, not a general conscription, with additional enlistment events planned.
• The White House said the U.S. is prepared to use all its power to curb drug flows and has directed warships toward Caribbean waters near Venezuela, while Washington has raised the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million.
• Opposition leader María Corina Machado urged Venezuelans not to enlist, as other opposition figures condemned foreign military action, underscoring deep political divisions over the mobilization and U.S. measures.