Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Monday he is ready to declare a state of emergency if the United States carries out more military actions against his country, following recent deadly attacks on Venezuelan boats accused of drug trafficking.
Special Powers Decree
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced that Maduro has already signed a decree granting him authority over defense and security. The order would let him mobilize soldiers nationwide and hand the military control of public services and the oil industry in the event of U.S. aggression.
U.S. Military Buildup
President Donald Trump has deployed eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 fighters to the Caribbean in what officials describe as an anti-drug operation. UN data, however, shows Venezuela is not a major cocaine source.
Civilian Deaths in Strikes
At least 17 Venezuelans have been killed in U.S. bombings of small boats in international waters. Caracas says this amounts to an undeclared war, while UN experts have condemned the strikes as extrajudicial killings.
Escalation and Response
Reports suggest the White House is considering air raids inside Venezuela against suspected traffickers. Maduro rejected U.S. claims about his country’s role in drug trade and urged a “historic and peaceful” relationship instead.
Trump’s Immigration Warning
Trump has separately threatened Venezuela with “incalculable” consequences if it refuses to accept deported migrants he described as prisoners or mentally ill.
Duration of Emergency Powers
Maduro’s decree would last 90 days and could be renewed for another 90 under Venezuela’s constitution.
For the latest on the U.S.’ international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.