Venezuelan Police and Armed Forces Reaffirm Support for Maduro After U.S. Bounty Announcement

The PNB and the FANB expressed their unwavering support for President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend. This follows the U.S. government’s announcement of a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture. Additionally, there are allegations of his alleged links to drug trafficking.

PNB Commander General Rubén Santiago described the measure as “infamous” and “vulgar.” He asserted that the more than 93,000 officers under his command will defend the so-called “Bolivarian Revolution.”

In a video circulated on social media, Santiago declared: “Count on the weapons of the Bolivarian National Police to defend the revolution.” He underscored institutional loyalty to the head of state. Furthermore, he rejected the statements by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Bondi accused Maduro of collaborating with criminal organizations, like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Cartel of the Suns, to smuggle drugs and violence into the United States.

Armed Forces Reject “Interventionist Statements”

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said the FANB “categorically rejects” Bondi’s claims. The military support was evident through pronouncements from various Strategic Regions of Integral Defense (REDI). Moreover, pronouncements came from Operational Zones of Integral Defense (ZODI), encompassing top commanders and troops nationwide.

The Central REDI, operating in Aragua, Carabobo, and Yaracuy, also rejected what it called a “false bounty for a hypothetical arrest” of President Maduro. They included claims against Ministers Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello.

According to state media reports, Major General Wilfredo Medrano, Commander of REDI Guayana, condemned Bondi’s statements as “gross and terrorist.” He asserted that there is a “perfect popular, military, and police fusion” to safeguard Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Major General Royman Hernández, Commander of REDI Los Llanos, described Washington’s accusations as “desperate measures” in the face of Venezuela’s “growth.” Meanwhile, Admiral José Hernández Abchi of REDI Maritime and Insular highlighted that security forces have seized 51 tons of drugs so far in 2025.

In the Andes region, Major General José Martínez Campos stressed that the FANB will not accept “any form of foreign interference.” He said they remain “on permanent alert” to neutralize any action threatening the country’s stability.

In western Venezuela, Major General Pedro González claimed the government had dealt “a heavy blow to drug trafficking” and reaffirmed its “anti-imperialist and antifascist” stance.

Domestic Support

These statements were echoed by Presidential Honor Guard Commander and head of the DGCIM, Javier Marcano Tábata. He called the accusations a “permanent monument to the lies” of the U.S. government. He also reaffirmed his forces’ readiness to act “wherever and whenever” Maduro orders.

In contrast, opposition leader María Corina Machado welcomed the U.S. reward announcement, expressing hope that it will accelerate political change in the country.