Venezuela’s Maduro seeks to expand armed civilian militias

A member of the Bolivarian Militia raises his fist during the seventh anniversary celebration of the militia, in front of Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 17, 2017. Officially known as the Venezuelan National Bolivarian Militia, it is a branch of the National Armed Forces of Venezuela created by the late President Hugo Chavez. The anniversary celebration took place with unrest spreading in Venezuela as confrontations between opposition demonstrators and authorities continue. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) A member of the Bolivarian Militia raises his fist during the seventh anniversary celebration of the militia, in front of Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 17, 2017. Officially known as the Venezuelan National Bolivarian Militia, it is a branch of the National Armed Forces of Venezuela created by the late President Hugo Chavez. The anniversary celebration took place with unrest spreading in Venezuela as confrontations between opposition demonstrators and authorities continue. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

By Associated Press April 17, 2017 2 min read

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced plans Monday to expand the number of civilians involved in armed militias as tensions in the crisis-wracked South American nation continued to rise.

Maduro said he hopes to expand the number of civilians involved in the Bolivarian militias created by the late Hugo Chavez to 500,000, up from the current 100,000, and provide each member with a gun.

Speaking to thousands of militia members dressed in beige uniforms gathered in front of the presidential palace to mark the force’s seventh anniversary, Maduro said it is time for Venezuelans to decide if they are “with the homeland” or against it.

“Now is not the time to hesitate,” he said.

The announcement comes as Maduro’s opponents are gearing up for what they pledge will be the largest rally yet to press for elections and a host of other demands Wednesday.