Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned on Monday that he is prepared to declare a state of emergency in response to what he called escalating US military aggression. His comments follow a string of deadly American strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats in the Caribbean.
“Today the consultation process began…to declare a state of emergency in accordance with the constitution and protect our people, our peace, and our stability if Venezuela were attacked by the American empire, attacked militarily,” Maduro said in a televised address.
Earlier, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told foreign diplomats that Maduro had already signed a decree granting him special powers in defense and security should the US move against Venezuela. But a government source later clarified that the president had not yet formally signed the document, though it was ready for enactment at any time.
The tensions come amid a major US military deployment in the southern Caribbean, ordered by President Donald Trump. The operation, officially framed as an anti-drug trafficking mission, includes eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine, moves seen in Caracas as a direct threat to Maduro’s rule.
In recent weeks, US forces destroyed at least three suspected drug boats, killing 14 people — actions that UN experts condemned as possible “extrajudicial executions.” NBC has also reported that US military officials are exploring options to target alleged drug traffickers inside Venezuela’s borders.
If declared, a state of emergency would give Maduro sweeping authority, including the power to suspend certain basic rights. Despite mounting international criticism of his disputed re-election, Rodriguez insisted Venezuelans would rally behind the president.
“Venezuela is united in the defense of our country,” she said. “We will never surrender our homeland.”
Maduro also claimed he had a private exchange with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who he said expressed shock at the scale of US military escalation. However, the UN has not confirmed this account.
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