Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has issued a stern warning to the United States. He vowed to constitutionally declare a “republic in arms” if American forces launch an attack. Maduro accused U.S. President Donald Trump of plotting regime change in Caracas. He described any possible assault as immoral, criminal, and a “bloody threat” to Venezuela.
Military Tensions Rise in the Caribbean
Maduro spoke during a press conference on Monday. His remarks followed the Trump administration’s decision to expand U.S. naval deployments near Venezuela. Washington said the buildup aims to disrupt Latin American drug cartels.
So far, the U.S. has not announced plans for a land invasion. Yet Venezuela has deployed over 15,000 troops along its coast and border with Colombia. Maduro also urged civilians to enlist in the national militia.
“In the face of maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum readiness to defend Venezuela,” Maduro said. He described the U.S. buildup as “extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral, and absolutely criminal.”
Maduro Seeks National Unity
Maduro called the current standoff the gravest threat to Latin America in a century. He warned that U.S. assets, including eight warships, 1,200 missiles, and a submarine, were aimed at Venezuela.
The U.S. Navy has already deployed two Aegis-guided missile destroyers, the USS Gravely and USS Jason Dunham. They are joined by the USS Sampson destroyer and USS Lake Erie cruiser. Three amphibious assault ships with more than 4,000 sailors and Marines are also heading to the region. A U.S. defense official confirmed the movement to the Associated Press.
U.S. Links Deployment to Drug Cartels
President Trump insists the military deployment targets drug cartels. He accuses them of fueling violence in U.S. cities and smuggling fentanyl across borders.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil disputed that claim. Citing a UN report, he said 87% of Colombian cocaine leaves through the Pacific. Only 5% passes through Venezuela. Gil warned that U.S. actions could destabilize the region.
“Let us demand an end to this deployment, which exists only to threaten a sovereign nation,” Gil told a virtual meeting of Latin American leaders.
Disputed Elections Add to Crisis
Maduro repeated his claim that he won Venezuela’s presidential election last July. But the vote was marred by irregularities. The United States and several other countries refused to recognize the result.
Opposition groups continue to call for more international pressure. María Corina Machado, an opposition leader, praised Trump’s deployment. She described Maduro’s government as a “criminal enterprise” and said U.S. action was the right approach.
Maduro, however, accused Trump of pushing for regime change. He warned that military action would “stain [Trump’s] hands with blood.”
