Amid rising military tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that his country will enter an "armed struggle" and declare a "state of war" if it is attacked by a foreign power. With the U.S. deploying warships to the Caribbean under the pretext of an anti-drug trafficking operation, relations between the two countries have reached a critical point. Maduro's latest statement is not mere rhetoric but rather a part of Venezuela's long-standing 'defensive' military strategy, which underscores the gravity of the situation.
In a press conference with foreign media, Maduro claimed that the U.S. has deployed eight warships, including some carrying 1,200 missiles and a nuclear submarine, near Venezuela. He called this an "absurd, immoral, and completely criminal threat." He compared the current situation to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, raising international concern with his remarks reminiscent of the Cold War's nuclear standoff. Maduro's warning further amplifies suspicions that the U.S. is considering military options for regime change in Venezuela.
Ironically, Maduro, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for his alleged ties to drug cartels, offered to cooperate with U.S. President Donald Trump on anti-drug trafficking efforts. He emphasized that Venezuela has extensive experience and concrete results in this area and promised to work with other Latin American countries to develop a joint strategy. This is seen as a two-faced approach, using a diplomatic proposal to counter U.S. military pressure. Critics argue that Maduro is trying to use the drug issue as a bargaining chip, while skeptics question whether his proposal can truly be a foundation for building trust between the two nations.
Maduro directly attacked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accusing him of trying to orchestrate regime change in Venezuela through "military threats." This appears to be an expression of discontent with those within the U.S. who advocate for a hard-line policy against Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the President of Guyana supported the U.S. military buildup, standing firm against Venezuela's territorial claims. This suggests that the existing tensions over the disputed Essequibo region on the border between Venezuela and Guyana could become even more complicated with U.S. military involvement.
The complex dynamics surrounding Venezuela extend beyond a simple bilateral conflict, carrying the potential to escalate into geopolitical instability for the entire Latin American region. Will Venezuela's declaration of a "state of war" be a mere threat, or will it become a reality? The world holds its breath, watching Caracas and Washington's next moves.
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