National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela

The military is a central pillar of the Venezuelan state and is notable for its significant political influence and role in maintaining internal security. Its structure, which includes forces like the national guard and militia focused on domestic affairs, underscores its importance beyond conventional national defense, deeply intertwining it with the nation's governance and stability.

Recently, the Venezuelan military has been a focal point in international news due to escalating geopolitical tensions. This follows a significant U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, including the deployment of a carrier group, which has heightened concerns about a potential conflict. Concurrently, there have been reports of high-level diplomatic overtures, with the U.S. administration indicating a willingness to engage in talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro while simultaneously keeping military options under consideration.

These developments occur alongside allegations from U.S. authorities linking elements within the Venezuelan state structure to a powerful drug trafficking organization. This has led to discussions of designating the group as a terrorist organization, further complicating the international perception of the Venezuelan military's role and affiliations.