Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has declared the first day of the Milicia Bolivariana enlistment campaign a success amid rising tensions with the United States, which has deployed warships and Marines near Venezuelan waters in the Caribbean. The voluntary enlistment drive, supported by thousands of Venezuelans including youth, elders, and even expatriates, aims to bolster national defense and sovereignty. Maduro praised the citizens who joined the militia, emphasizing the importance of defending the homeland. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirmed the voluntary nature of the enlistment and addressed the media from the General Command of the Bolivarian National Militia in Caracas. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and other government officials condemned U.S. military maneuvers, with Rodríguez calling on Guyana to respect international commitments and accusing it of betraying regional peace by siding with the U.S. Opposition figure Henrique Capriles Radonski rejected any use of force against Venezuela but faced criticism for his stance on U.S. pressure. Regional and international voices, including former Bolivian President Evo Morales and the South African Communist Party, condemned U.S. military presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, calling for the withdrawal of U.S. forces and respect for sovereignty. The campaign "Yo Me Alisto" (I Enlist) has garnered support from journalists, activists, and influencers who back Maduro's anti-imperialist and sovereign stance. Maduro also promoted the Venezuelan ambassador to Colombia, Martínez Mendoza, to the rank of division general in the active reserve. Polls indicate that a majority of Venezuelans perceive Maduro's administration as strong and stable amid these geopolitical challenges.