As the United States blows up alleged drug boats in international waters near South America, ordinary Venezuelans are arming themselves and joining the military.

They are doing it as the Trump administration increased the bounty for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's arrest to $US50 million.

And for weeks now events known as "Militia Saturdays" have been held to enlist people to join the Venezuelan Bolivarian Militia — a civilian reserve corps that works alongside the army.

In recent years it has been made up of more senior citizens but the recent strikes and military pressure from the US has seen Venezuela pushing a recruitment drive.

Captain Rafael Astudillo joined the militia 22 years ago and says there has been a surge in sign-ups, following Mr Maduro encouraging citizens to d

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