Amid escalating tensions with the US, Venezuela's government has called upon its National Bolivarian Militia, mobilizing civilians including many older individuals, in light of recent US Navy strikes that resulted in 17 fatalities among suspected drug traffickers. Citizens like Edith Perales, who joined the militia years ago, express readiness to defend their homeland, reflecting widespread apprehension about potential US military actions. With the US military deploying ships in the Caribbean, the Venezuelan regime sees this as an incentive to bolster its militia forces. Training sessions are underway, albeit largely comprising inexperienced volunteers eager to protect their communities. While some residents engage with military exercises, life carries on normally in other parts of the city, raising questions about the impact of these developments on everyday life in Venezuela.