STORY: Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello on Thursday (October 16) led a public march and military drill in La Guaira, where he guided militia members in taking the "Oath of the Sacred Mount," a pledge invoking the legacy of Simon Bolivar.

The public ceremony was part of efforts by the Integral Defence Steering Body announced by President Nicolas Maduro to maintain public order and coordinate civilian and militia defence efforts.

Cabello has led various shows of force and ideological resistance in recent weeks, directly challenging U.S. military pressure and accusations of "narcoterrorism" while signalling Caracas's readiness to confront what it calls American imperialism.

The demonstrations come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas following U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (October 17) that Maduro does not want to "fuck around" with the United States.

Trump's comments followed a Reuters report that the U.S. military was holding two survivors on a Navy ship after a U.S. strike on their suspected Caribbean drug vessel killed two others.

The White House has confirmed a significant military buildup in the Caribbean, including guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 troops.

Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and condemned the U.S. strikes as violations of Venezuelan sovereignty.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: LA GUAIRA, VENEZUELA (OCTOBER 16, 2025) (VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT TV - Access all)

1. VENEZUELAN INTERIOR MINISTER DIOSDADO CABELLO LEADING MARCH, MARCHERS RAISING MACHETES AND VENEZUELAN FLAGS

2. VARIOUS OF MILITARY OFFICERS CONDUCTING DRILL

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN INTERIOR MINISTER, DIOSDADO CABELLO, SAYING: (INCLUDES VARIOUS SHOTS AND MILITIA MEMBERS RESPONDING)

"And now we shall take the oath of the Sacred Mount, the oath of Father Bolivar. Please repeat after me. I swear by the God of my fathers. I swear by my honor. I swear by my life. That I shall give no rest to my arm. Nor respite to my soul. Until I have the entire homeland liberated and independent, breaking once and for all the chains that, by the will of imperialism, they seek to impose upon the people of Venezuela."

4. VARIOUS OF MILITIA MEMBERS RAISING MACHETES DURING CABELLO'S SPEECH