High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Venezuelan Ministry of the Popular Participation for the Defense is the federal-level organ responsible for maintaining the Venezuelan armed forces. As of March 2010, this ministry is headed by Carlos Mata Figueroa after the former minister and vicepresident of the nation resigned under controversial circumstances. The ministry coordinates numerous counter-narcotics operations (e.g., Operation Sierra through the CUFAN organ), helps ready numerous civil guard initiatives, and general oversees the conventional military capabilities of Venezuela.