Venezuela recruits thousands of new soldiers

TT

Updated 07.43 | Published 07.33

 

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, center, has called for increased military recruitment. The picture was taken on November 25. Photo: Ariana Cubillos/AP/TT

5,600 new soldiers have been sworn in in Venezuela. The addition to the country's army comes at the same time as the United States increases military pressure on the oil-producing country.

President Nicolás Maduro has called for increased military recruitment after the United States sent a fleet of warships and the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean under the pretext of combating drug trafficking.

US forces have carried out deadly attacks on more than 20 ships - resulting in at least 87 deaths.

"Under no circumstances will we allow an invasion by an imperialist force," Colonel Gabriel Rendon said on Saturday during a ceremony at the country's largest military complex in Caracas.