15:19 30-11-2025

Venezuela's Defense Strategy Against U.S. Attack: Two Possible Paths

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Explore Venezuela’s two potential defense strategies against a direct U.S. attack, including guerrilla warfare and creating chaos in Caracas.

If the United States opts for a direct military strike, Venezuela is prepared to fall back on one of two defense playbooks. Reuters reports this, citing internal documents and domestic sources familiar with the plans.

According to the agency, rank-and-file Venezuelan soldiers currently earn the equivalent of only about $100 per month — roughly a fifth of what an average household needs to cover basic expenses. Such pay levels, the report notes, leave the armed forces vulnerable to widespread desertion should open conflict erupt.

Against this backdrop, Venezuela has outlined two potential strategies. The first is a guerrilla-style approach described as «prolonged resistance," in which small military groups would carry out sabotage operations and other irregular warfare tactics.

The second option, intended for use if U.S. forces launch air or ground attacks, is referred to as «anarchization». Under this strategy, intelligence operatives and armed supporters of the ruling party would attempt to sow disorder in Caracas, pushing the country toward a state of deliberate ungovernability.

These contingency plans surface as the United States steps up its footprint in the Caribbean. Washington has recently increased its regional deployment to 15,000 troops — the largest U.S. military presence there in decades.

On November 29, U. S. President Donald Trump announced the closure of the airspace over Venezuela and surrounding areas. Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry called the move a hostile act that violates international law and the UN Charter, while the White House maintains that its operations are aimed at combating drug trafficking.