Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro recently made a bold statement. He warned that he would declare a “republic in arms” if the U.S. deployed forces against Venezuela. He claims that several U.S. military vessels equipped with missiles pose a significant threat to his country. Maduro described this situation as one of the most significant threats in a century for South America.
This announcement comes just as the U.S. plans to increase its naval presence near Venezuela to tackle drug trafficking issues in the region. While there are no current plans for ground troops, Maduro’s government is taking preventative measures, moving troops to the coast and encouraging civilians to join militias.
In response to the growing military activity, Maduro stated his government is fully prepared for defense, characterizing the U.S. actions as unjustifiable and immoral. The U.S. Navy has deployed several ships, including two Aegis guided-missile destroyers and plans to bring in more amphibious ships, totaling over 4,000 sailors and Marines.
Amid these tensions, President Trump has aimed to use military force against drug cartels, which he blames for the influx of drugs like fentanyl into American communities. The U.S. has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has increased the bounty on him to $50 million.
Interestingly, a recent UN report indicates that only a small fraction of cocaine from Colombia passes through Venezuela. Most of it leaves through the Pacific. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, argued that the U.S. narrative serves to destabilize the region, warning that any attack would have dire consequences for neighboring countries.
In the realm of Venezuelan politics, Maduro insists he legitimately won the last election. However, many countries, including the U.S., have disputed this claim. Opposition leaders are calling for international pressure to remove him from power, with some, like María Corina Machado, welcoming U.S. military support as a means to address what she labels a criminal regime.
Maduro cautioned that any military operation would lead to bloodshed and that the U.S. strategy of regime change has historically failed. He asserts that the people of Venezuela must decide their future without external interference.
In a volatile region, this conflict reflects a larger struggle over power and control, with the potential for significant consequences not just for Venezuela, but for all of Latin America.
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Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela
