Islam Times - Maduro says is planning to dispatch 1000s of troops across Venezuela

Islam Times - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he is planning to dispatch thousands of troops across the country in a move aimed at countering a rise in the country’s crime rate.

Maduro announced on Monday that he would send some 3,000 troops to the streets of Venezuela to lower violent crimes in a plan called the “secure fatherland.”

"I call on you to serve your country. It must be more than just patrolling. It must be a commitment of conscience, passion, and love," Maduro said during a speech to military police and troops on Monday.

Under the plan, some 500 checkpoints will be established in the country’s least-safe areas, including neighborhoods in the state of Miranda, over the next months.

Some 9,000 additional police officers currently in training and 1,600 National Guard officers are expected to join the program later.

Venezuela has the highest homicide rate in South America. The country has witnessed a rise in violence since the country’s presidential elections in April.

Maduro defeated opposition leader Henrique Capriles on April 14 by receiving 50.7 percent of the vote against 49.1 percent. However, Capriles has claimed vote irregularities.

The Venezuelan president has replaced Venezuela’s late leader Hugo Chavez who died of cancer on March 5.