Venezuelan military deploys elite Black Wasp units and Russian Wagner trainers for nationwide asymmetric war preparations
Venezuela’s armed forces have entered a new phase of mobilisation under Plan Independencia 200, a program designed for asymmetric and prolonged warfare. Defence Minister General Vladimir Padrino López announced the deployment of the Black Wasp commandos and the integration of Russian Wagner Group trainers operating across the country. The move signals that Caracas expects a drawn-out confrontation rather than a short conventional war.
The Black Wasps are elite Venezuelan units trained with input from foreign partners including Vietnam and North Korea. They are now leading combined exercises with the national militia, focusing on guerrilla tactics, ambush operations, and local resistance networks. The Defence Ministry says these units form the backbone of a new territorial defence strategy that would keep the country fighting even after a conventional defeat.
Wagner personnel have been active in Venezuela since 2024 and have expanded their presence this year. Military airlifts using Russian Il-76 transport aircraft have brought in additional instructors, light arms, and communications equipment. Several of these flights were recorded landing at military airfields near Maracay, Barcelona, and Barquisimeto. Local sources report new Russian-made Buk-M2E and Igla-S missile systems being assigned to regional defence commands.
According to official statements, around 4.5 million militia members have been mobilised across nearly 300 operational fronts. Another 8 million reservists are being prepared to support these forces. Training now emphasises small-unit tactics, urban disruption, coastal sabotage, and the use of improvised explosive devices. Venezuelan officials describe this doctrine as a “people’s war,” designed to exhaust any invading force through attrition and decentralised resistance.
General Padrino said Venezuela’s defence plan is no longer based on traditional military parity. Instead, it depends on dispersing command, arming civilians loyal to the state, and maintaining constant readiness in all regions. The aim is to deny control to any opponent through sustained insurgent operations and national-level coordination.
The mobilisation also coincides with increasing tension along Venezuela’s borders and reports of US aircraft operating near its airspace. State media have framed these moves as proof of foreign pressure against the Maduro government.
Venezuela now appears to be constructing a full-spectrum resistance network combining state forces, militias, and foreign advisors. If conflict breaks out, the country’s strategy will rely on endurance, not speed. The infrastructure for that fight is already being built.
Authored By: Global Geopolitics
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Sources:
Venezuelan Ministry of Defence – mindefensa.gob.ve
United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) – psuv.org.ve
TeleSUR – telesurtv.net
TeleSUR – telesurtv.net
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