NextFin news, CARACAS, Venezuela — On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared that he would constitutionally proclaim a 'republic in arms' if United States forces operating in the Caribbean attacked Venezuela. This statement was made amid heightened tensions as the US has deployed warships near Venezuelan waters in the Caribbean Sea.
Maduro's warning came as the US naval presence in the region has increased, reportedly to combat narcotrafficking and to counter the influence of the Venezuelan government, which the US has accused of links to drug trafficking organizations. The Venezuelan president emphasized that any aggression by US forces would be met with armed resistance by the Venezuelan people and military.
The US naval deployment includes warships and a nuclear submarine, signaling a significant military posture in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela. The Venezuelan Armed Forces have been placed on high alert in response to these developments, fearing a possible invasion or military confrontation.
This escalation follows ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with the US government under former President Donald Trump having increased pressure on the Maduro regime through sanctions and military presence in the region.
Maduro's threat to declare a 'republic in arms' refers to a constitutional provision allowing the mobilization of the population and armed forces in defense of the nation in case of external aggression. The statement underscores the Venezuelan government's readiness to resist any military intervention.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring the Caribbean region for any further developments. The US government has not publicly commented on Maduro's statement but continues its naval operations aimed at curbing narcotics trafficking and maintaining regional security.
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