At various checkpoints, Venezuelan forces in green fatigues stop vehicles returning from rallies opposing President Nicolás Maduro. These stops, common before the presidential election, aim to intimidate critics and sometimes solicit small bribes. Despite this, some soldiers express discontent with Maduro and interest in change. Maduro has increased efforts to secure loyalty from the armed forces by promoting officers and appearing at public ceremonies. Recently, he praised police as defenders against right-wing threats and promoted his defense minister to “General of the Sovereign People.” The top military brass, traditionally neutral, now openly support Maduro and engage in political rhetoric. Maduro’s connection to the military dates back to his mentor Hugo Chávez’s era, with the military playing a crucial role in his power retention. Maduro has empowered his own allies within the military, despite facing corruption and human rights abuse allegations. The National Guard in Venezuela has imported anti-riot gear and refurbished armored vehicles to address potential protests. Retired Gen. Rodolfo Camacho reports that half of the 301 political prisoners are military members who opposed Maduro. Discontent is growing among soldiers due to the country’s economic collapse, which has led to increased desertion. Former U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield notes that low-ranking military personnel are particularly susceptible to opposition messages. Gen. Manuel Cristopher Figuera suggests that defiance against Maduro might manifest in a refusal to repress protesters, rather than outright rebellion. Opposition leaders and many Venezuelans are preparing for possible protests after the election. Some see Defense Minister Padrino as a potential key figure, recalling his past acceptance of opposition victories and historical shifts by Venezuela’s military leadership. Original Text by Joshua Goodman and Regina Garcia Cano, published in -> KGET

El 21 de septiembre, Venezuela acusó a Colombia de violar su espacio aéreo con un dron. El presidente Iván Duque lo negó. Después de ese episodio, el Gobierno Nacional señaló el domingo que desde el vecino país hubo una incursión al territorio colombiano con un dron.Y, ahora, la disputa es por el reclamo desde el Comando Estratégico Operacional de la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana (Ceofanb) por la captura en Cúcuta de dos sargentos de la Guardia Nacional venezolana. Analistas advierten que vendrá una nueva escalada en la “diplomacia de micrófono” y conflicto entre estas dos naciones. Texto completo-> ElTiempo

Courtesy translation-> On September 21, Venezuela accused Colombia of violating its airspace with a drone. President Iván Duque denied it. After that episode, the National Government pointed out on Sunday that from the neighboring country there was an incursion into Colombian territory with a drone, and now the dispute is over the claim from the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (Ceofanb) for the capture in Cúcuta of two sergeants of the Venezuelan National Guard. Analysts warn that there will be a new escalation in “microphone diplomacy” and conflict between these two nations.

Venezuela celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo, the most important battle of the Venezuelan War of Independence against the Spanish crown. Every year, the Venezuelan government and military mark the anniversary by holding a parade in the state where the historic battle took place, Carabobo. Also called “Army Day” in Venezuela, the event includes statements from the country’s president and minister of defense. By Tizita Mengistu. Full Text -> WaltaInfo

One thousand fighters from the Venezuelan National Militia – a unit of civilians affiliated with Chavismo, uniformed and armed – will move to the border state of Apure, where on March 21st fighting broke out between the Venezuelan military and a group of dissidents from the demobilized Colombian FARC guerrilla group, military sources said Tuesday, April 13th, in Caracas. Full Text -> The RioTimes

The Venezuelan Army has lost at least two officers fighting a group of Colombian irregulars, near the Arauca river. Colombia reports at least 3,000 refugees crossing the border. What does it mean? By Rafael Osío Cabrices. Full Text ->CaracasChronicles

Deadly clashes between Venezuelan security forces and illegal armed groups have sent thousands of civilians fleeing over the border into Colombia for safety.More than 3,100 Venezuelans have crossed the frontier “in a forced manner,” since fighting erupted this week, Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Wednesday, in a post on Twitter. By Alex Vasquez. Full Text-> Bloomberg

Two Venezuelan soldiers died over the weekend in clashes with “irregular Colombian armed groups” near the border in southwestern Apure state, Venezuela’s defense ministry said in a statement on Monday. By Vivian Sequera, Oliver Griffin, Luc Cohen. Full Text-> Reuters

A confrontation between Venezuela’s military with an armed group in the southwestern Venezuelan state of Apure near the frontier with Colombia resulted in several casualties, said the mayor of Arauquita, Etelivar Torres. Full Text -> TRTWorld

The drills were intended to pay tribute to former President Hugo Chavez on the eighth anniversary of his death on March 5, 2013, Xinhuanet reported. “We are kicking off the ‘Supreme Commander Hugo Chavez Frias 2021’ Bolivarian Shield Exercises to guarantee the comprehensive defense of the nation,” said the Chief of Staff of the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) Admiral Remigio Ceballos, flanked by members of the military, in a message broadcast via state-run television. Full Text -> MehrNewsAgency

The sale of gasoline in socialist-controlled Venezuela is increasingly being controlled by socialist warlords in a similar manner to drug trafficking, Argentinian outlet InfoBae detailed in a report Friday. By Ben Kew. Full Text -> Breitbart