Maduro Activates ‘Super Structure’ as Tensions Escalate in Venezuela
In a move that further escalates tensions in Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro has activated a "super structure" that places the entire state on a war footing. Dressed in military fatigues, Maduro signed a decree on Tuesday to invoke the Órgano de Defensa Integral de la Nacional (ODI), a move that has raised alarms among political opponents and international observers.
The activation of the ODI, described by Maduro as "the highest level of defense at the national, state, and parish level," comes as the government deploys police and military forces across the capital, Caracas. The escalation follows the distribution of Russian-made assault rifles to civilians in front of the Palacio de Miraflores, the presidential palace, earlier in the day.
Speaking at a ceremony where he swore in civilian combatants—comprising public sector workers and members of the ruling socialist party (PSUV)—Maduro stated, "Don’t be mistaken, the people of Venezuela are determined to triumph, to preserve peace and national independence."
The announcement comes as the government maintains a near-constant presence on television, with Maduro leading different sectors in acts where he regularly warns of new threats. This Tuesday, he announced the capture of seven more alleged mercenaries from the United States, Colombia, and Ukraine, who join the 125 other foreigners supposedly detained for involvement in "conspiratorial plans."
As the January 10 inauguration of Maduro’s second term approaches, tensions continue to rise. The opposition has called for a protest on January 9, with plans to swear in opposition leader Juan Guaidó as president the following day. Guaidó, who traveled from Washington to Panama on Tuesday, is expected to meet with a group of former presidents from the Group of Lima (GrL).
The invocation of the ODI jurisdictions places Venezuela’s military, police, and various civil institutions under the control of a single, centralized command, leading to concerns about potential human rights abuses and a further tightening of government control.
While Maduro’s government maintains that the measures are necessary to maintain stability and combat foreign sabotage, opponents see it as a tactic to crush dissent and consolidate power. источники: @Nicolasmaduro, @DiosdadoCabello, @jhoraciapil tog comenzó como un rumor en línea el miércoles pasado, cuando @SilvanaGuzmántwitter publicó una captura de pantalla de una supuesta reunión entre el jefe de la صفحه.
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