Above photo: Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello at the activation event of the Comprehensive Defense Steering Bodies of Operation Independence 200 in Monagas state, October 11, 2025. Telegram/Nicolás Maduro.
In Response To US Invasion Threats.
Venezuela activated the Comprehensive Defense Steering Bodies (ODDI) of Operation Independence 200 in the country’s eastern states, including Monagas, Bolívar, and Anzoátegui, on Saturday, October 11. The minister of the Interior, Citizen Security, and Peace, Captain Diosdado Cabello, presided over an event in Monagas state to deliver equipment and resources to the militia in the communes.
Operation Independence 200 was launched with the deployment of more than 1,500 people in Monagas alone, from where Captain Cabello emphasized that the nation is prepared to “confront the various threats that imperialism poses to the homeland.”
He also criticized the far-right opposition, whom he labeled “traitors” for their complicity in the war situation. He reaffirmed President Hugo Chávez’s vision of a “peaceful but armed revolution,” asserting that the people are ready for comprehensive defense under the strategy of “active and prolonged resistance.”
He highlighted the importance of the exercise in putting the command structures into operation within the peace quadrants of the communes, of which 199 have been established to date—112 previously opened and 87 being incorporated. In this regard, he stressed the Venezuelan government’s responsibility to provide the conditions and resources necessary to activate the peace quadrants, since mere willingness is not enough.
In the states of the regions of Guayana and the east, the Comprehensive Defense Zones (ZODI) of Bolívar and Anzoátegui states also launched simultaneous operations. The commander of ZODI No. 62 Bolívar, General Miguel Yilales Arteaga, explained that these operations are aimed at preventing a possible “strategic paralysis” of the Venezuelan State and focusing on countering the enemy’s air campaigns through constant attrition.
Operational tasks include ensuring the integrity of public authorities, conducting operations to maintain and restore internal order, and activating the Comprehensive Aerospace Defense System (CODAI).
The commander of ZODI No. 51 Anzoátegui, General Norber José Torres Ortiz, specified that 27 territorial actions have been launched with the objective of “systematically wearing down the enemy and protecting our own forces.” These maneuvers are part of Strategic Operation Steel, a key element of the doctrine of Comprehensive National Defense.
Operation Independence 200 is irrefutable proof of the popular-military-police union that forms the backbone of Venezuelan defense. The deployment in the states of Carabobo, La Guaira, Zulia, Falcón, and Aragua earlier in the week demonstrates that Venezuela is prepared to face any scenario.
