Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued an emotional appeal for calm on Thursday, urging in English, “No crazy war, please!” as tensions with Washington intensified following U.S. President Donald Trump’s admission that he had authorized covert operations against Venezuela.
A War of Words and Maneuvers
Trump denied reports that a U.S. B-1B bomber had flown close to Venezuela’s coast, calling them “false,” despite flight-tracking data suggesting otherwise. The U.S. maintains its military presence in the Caribbean as part of an anti-narcotics campaign, while Maduro accuses Washington of pursuing regime change.
Maduro’s Call for Calm
“Yes peace, yes peace forever, peace forever. No crazy war, please!” Maduro said during a meeting with pro-government unions. He condemned recent U.S. strikes that have killed at least 37 people and claimed the campaign was a cover for attempts to destabilize his government.
Covert Operations and Rising Tensions
Trump confirmed authorizing CIA operations targeting alleged drug cartels, while Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino warned that any U.S. covert actions would fail. The Venezuelan military has launched coastal defense drills in response to U.S. naval movements.
Both nations are ramping up military activity and rhetoric, fueling fears of direct confrontation. As the standoff deepens, the Caribbean remains a flashpoint — and Maduro’s plea for peace may face its toughest test yet.
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