Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the Bolivarian National Armed Forces are strengthening preparedness to defend the country amid rising tensions with the United States. Speaking at a militia event in Caracas on December 20, he announced a restructuring of Combatant Corps to integrate them into productive sectors, saying every company must help safeguard national production. Padrino warned Venezuela will continue facing external pressure for pursuing what he called an anti imperialist project. Tensions escalated after President Donald Trump vowed to continue U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, prompting President Nicolas Maduro to raise concerns with the UN chief.