Maduro Places Military on High Alert Over Imminent U.S. Threats

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the military to be on high alert in anticipation of what he describes as an “imminent attack” from the United States. In a televised address, he announced that the country is entering a phase of “maximum defense” due to the increased American military presence in the Caribbean.

“Today, we have initiated a consultation process to declare a state of emergency, as permitted by our constitution, to safeguard our people, peace, and stability in the event of an attack by the American empire or a military strike,” Maduro stated. He accused Washington of seeking to overthrow his regime under the guise of combating drug trafficking.

This announcement follows recent U.S. military actions in which several vessels off the coast of Venezuela were targeted, resulting in the destruction of three small boats that the Pentagon claimed were being used for drug smuggling. In a related move, U.S. authorities have doubled the reward for Maduro’s capture to $50 million. Caracas has vehemently denied any involvement in drug trafficking and has called for “historically peaceful relations” with the Trump administration.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez explained that the state of emergency would grant Maduro expanded powers to mobilize the military, control the oil industry, and oversee public services. “We are preparing along three fronts: comprehensive national defense, active resistance from the people, and a continuous offensive throughout the country,” she emphasized.

This situation is exacerbated by a massive U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, which is the biggest show of force in the Caribbean in 30 years. Officially labeled as “counter-narcotics” operations, it appears to many observers as coercive pressure on Maduro.

At Sea:
— Iwo Jima Amphibious Group (3 ships + 22nd MEU, 4,500 troops)
— Destroyers: USS Jason Dunham, USS Gravely, USS Stockdale
— Cruiser: USS Lake Erie
— LCS: USS Minneapolis–St. Paul
— Submarine: USS Newport News
— Special Ops Ship: MV Ocean Trader

In the Air:
— 10 F-35s and MQ-9 Reapers based in Puerto Rico
— P-8 Poseidon patrols monitoring Venezuelan coast
— Harriers, Ospreys, Seahawks aboard carriers

On the Ground:
— 22nd MEU live-fire drills near Caracas coast
— Special Ops & Rangers on alert; 82nd Airborne ready for rapid deployment

Russia’s UN Envoy Nebenzya commented on the escalating tensions, stating that Venezuela believes the U.S. may move from threats to action, possibly involving its navy. He urged Washington to stop escalating and avoid a grave mistake.

In response to the mounting pressures, Maduro has placed the military on high alert due to imminent U.S. threats, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing crisis between Venezuela and the United States.