(NewsNation) — As three American destroyers sail toward Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro says he is going to order the deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country.

"This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory — militias that are prepared, activated and armed," Maduro announced on state television.

The militias were created by then-President Hugo Chávez to incorporate volunteers who could assist the armed forces in the defense of external and domestic attacks.

“The empire has gone mad and has renewed its threats to Venezuela’s peace and tranquility,” Maduro said at an event in Caracas, without mentioning any specific action.

US sending three destroyers

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