Khaberni - Thousands of new soldiers have joined the Venezuelan army amid escalating tensions with the United States and calls by President Nicolas Maduro to boost military recruitment and "unite against imperialism".
Reports indicate that 5,600 soldiers joined the Venezuelan army, where a ceremony was held on Saturday at Fuerte Tiuna, the largest military complex in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to incorporate them into the army ranks.
The French Press Agency quoted General Javier Jose Marcano Tabata saying that the number of volunteers joining the armed forces had seen a significant increase.
It also reported on an army commander named Gabriel Alejandro Rendon Vilches, who said, "As imperialism threatens our nation and our people, thousands of youths are joining the national armed forces."
Vilches added, "Under no circumstances will we allow an invasion by an imperialist force."
The Venezuelan armed forces include about 200,000 soldiers according to official figures.
Since last August, the administration of President Donald Trump has strengthened the military presence in the Caribbean and off the coasts of Venezuela under the pretense of combating drug trafficking, while accusing the Venezuelan president of leading smuggling groups.
Caracas denies the American accusations, accusing Washington of seeking to change the regime in Venezuela and take control of its oil reserves.
Since last September, the American forces have destroyed more than 20 boats suspected of being used in drug smuggling in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, with strikes that resulted in more than 83 deaths.
