Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered a nationwide enlistment drive this weekend for the Bolivarian National Militia, reservists and civilians, citing what he described as mounting U.S. military threats. State media urged men and women to report to military bases, public squares and the country’s 15,751 integral defense sites to register. The call follows reports that Washington intends to deploy three Aegis-class guided-missile destroyers, surveillance aircraft and other assets to Caribbean waters near Venezuela, a force that could total roughly 4,000 U.S. sailors and Marines. U.S. officials say the operation is aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking from the South American nation. Maduro, who says the militia numbers more than 4.5 million—well above most external estimates—framed the mobilization as a response to “imperialist” intimidation. He also convened the broader National Defensive System to review contingency plans. The move underscores escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, which has increased pressure on the Venezuelan leader amid longstanding accusations of drug smuggling and democratic backsliding.