Venezuela: Bolivarian Militia Forces exceed 2 million

By Lokman Ilhan

CARACAS (AA) - The National Bolivarian Militia Force assembled by the Venezuelan government, today is said to exceeded 2 million members according to the reports on Sunday.

A 10th year anniversary ceremony was held for the establishment of Bolivarian Militia Force, which was formed by former President Hugo Chavez.

President Nicolas Maduro attended the ceremony at the city center where more than 2 million representatives of National Bolivarian Militia Forces were sworn in.

In his speech at the ceremony, Maduro stated that they aim to increase the number of militia to 3 million and that the militias have an important place in maintaining peace in the country.

Pointing to the increase in the number of Bolivarian Militia Forces, Maduro stressed that the people will defend the country under all circumstances.

Maduro also stated that he would work with the Constituent Assembly to work on a constitutional amendment aiming the recognition and empowerment of the Militia.

The ceremony was attended by a number of high-level officials, including Diosdado Cabello, the Constituent Assembly President and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

*Writing by Dilara Hamit from Ankara