Chanting "fatherland or death," dozens of President Hugo Chavez's supporters lined up in formation, vowing to defend the country if the United States tries to invade. Led by an army reservist, the volunteers in black caps said their numbers would swell in the coming months. The start of training for "Popular Defense Units" marks a more confrontational stage in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. Chavez is tightening his personal security, accusing Washington of backing a plot to assassinate him. While U.S. officials seek to isolate a leader who has become a symbol of anti-American sentiment in Latin America, Chavez is warning he will cut off oil exports to the United States if it supports any attempt to overthrow him. The socialist leader called last month for creation of civilian groups to help defend Venezuela if necessary; in one poor Caracas neighborhood, about 120 supporters began military-style drills last month even though they have not been issued weapons. "If an invasion comes, we know what we're going to do," said Manuel Mayan, 36, saluting during training in a parking lot Tuesday night, the first attended by international journalists. Other similar units will begin training soon in at least two nearby neighborhoods, said Sgt. 2nd Class Ricardo Nahmens. Some of the men and women — street cleaners, retired teachers and the unemployed — wore military patches on their sleeves, even though they are civilians and they have yet to obtain formal recognition from the government. They consider themselves part of the army reserve forces. "Reserve! The guarantee of national defense and security!" they chanted, wearing black caps and standing at attention.
State TV shows video of U.S. officials criticizing Chavez, while playing the "Star Wars" theme music for the "evil empire." Many observers say a U.S. invasion is highly unlikely, but Chavez's warnings have struck a chord on the streets of the capital, where graffiti now declares: "If they kill Chavez, he will return as millions." Chavez has said his socialist "revolution" for the poor is by nature "anti-imperialist," claiming that has angered the United States. Chavez, a former army paratroop commander who is up for re-election next year, has said U.S. plans to support the Venezuelan opposition are an "obscene interference."
U.S. diplomats say they are concerned about Venezuelan democracy, freedom of the press, Chavez's stance toward leftist Colombian rebels and moves to buy 10 helicopters and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles from Russia. Chavez last month accused President Bush of backing a plot to kill him, saying "If anything happens to me, forget about Venezuelan oil, Mr. Bush."
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