Last month, a sword-brandishing Hugo Chávez marked the eighth anniversary of his return to power after an abortive coup by addressing thousands of government-backed paramilitaries. “You should be ready to take up arms at any moment and give your lives if necessary for our nation’s independence and the socialist revolution,” roared the Venezuelan leader. The reported 35,000 militia members represent an effort by Chávez to create his own version of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (who are committed to defending the theocratic dictatorship in Tehran). They effectively serve as a government security force. Chávez is relying on them to frighten and subjugate his domestic opponents.
The Associated Press offers a description of how these armed combatants are trained:
