Venezuela’s Sovereignty Under Threat
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has characterized the recent deployment of U.S. warships in the Caribbean as a significant threat to the region, claiming it represents the greatest danger in a century. The U.S. asserts that its operations are solely aimed at combating drug trafficking.
Missile Accusations
On Monday, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of jeopardizing its sovereignty by positioning “1,200 missiles” on U.S. vessels in the Caribbean Sea. This military buildup is notably larger than past operations in the area.
According to the White House, the U.S. has deployed these ships as part of an anti-drug initiative. However, Maduro described the situation as unprecedented, stating, “Venezuela is confronting the biggest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years.” He added, “A situation like this has never been seen.”
Escalating Tensions
The Trump administration has labeled Maduro as the leader of a drug cartel and has recently increased the bounty for his capture to $50 million (€42.7 million).
In response to what he perceives as a threat, Maduro proclaimed that he would “constitutionally declare a republic in arms” should Venezuela come under attack. Although the U.S. has denied intentions to invade Venezuela, relations between the two nations have soured significantly. The U.S. has refused to recognize Maduro’s last two re-election campaigns held in 2024 and 2018.
Maduro accused the U.S. of “seeking a regime change through military threat.” He stated, “In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela,” referring to the U.S. naval presence as “an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.”
Regional Responses
In contrast, neighboring Guyana expressed support for the American military presence. President Irfaan Ali stated that his nation will back any measures necessary to safeguard its security, particularly given the ongoing tensions surrounding the oil-rich Essequibo region.
These tensions have heightened since ExxonMobil discovered substantial oil reserves off the coast of Essequibo, an area claimed by both nations. On Sunday, Guyana accused Venezuela of firing shots at a boat transporting election materials in the disputed region.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez responded by accusing Guyana of “trying to create a war front.” Amid these escalating tensions, there has been a surge in Venezuelans enlisting in civilian defense corps.
