Venezuela’s Military & Milicias: Where Are They When Disaster Strikes?

Residents in earthquake-affected cities in Venezuela protested the absence of military rescue forces and shouted “Out, out” at Delcy Rodríguez during a site visit, according to reports from The New York Times and NTN24.

The unrest occurred as citizens confronted government officials amid the aftermath of seismic activity that caused buildings to collapse. According to Excélsior and Diario Las Américas, the protests focused on Delcy Rodríguez while she visited a collapsed building following what was described as a double earthquake.

Why did residents protest Delcy Rodríguez?

Crowds at the site of a collapsed building directed shouts of “Fuera, fuera” (Out, out) at Delcy Rodríguez, according to reports from Excélsior and Diario Las Américas. The residents expressed anger over the government’s handling of the disaster and the perceived lack of immediate, effective aid.

The reports from elgrafico.mx confirm that Delcy Rodríguez was booed by locals during her appearance in the affected zone, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with the administration’s response to the emergency.

Where was the Venezuelan military during the rescue?

In the cities hardest hit by the earthquakes, residents questioned the location and availability of the army. The New York Times reports that citizens specifically asked where the army was.

The absence of the army during the critical early hours of the rescue effort became a central point of contention for those trapped or searching for missing relatives.

How did the role of the militias contribute to the criticism?

The news outlet NTN24 highlighted a contrast between the state’s use of militias and their absence during the natural disaster. The report noted that residents questioned why the militias, which were previously ready to repress, were not available to assist in rescue efforts.

¿Dónde están las milicias antes listas para reprimir ahora que Venezuela las necesita para rescates?
NTN24

This criticism frames the government’s priorities as favoring internal security and political repression over public safety and disaster relief. The perceived failure to mobilize these organized groups for civilian rescue has intensified the hostility toward the administration in the affected regions.