Maduro Mobilizes Forces, Accuses US of Threatening Sovereignty Amid Drug Trafficking Crackdown
Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and key members of his administration conducted highly visible patrols across the nation on Thursday, responding to the deployment of US warships in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug trafficking.Maduro framed the US presence as a direct threat to Venezuelan sovereignty, initiating a nationwide mobilization plan dubbed “Independence Plan 200.”
The plan, according to Maduro, will involve the full participation of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), local militia groups, and the Bolivarian National Militia. Speaking from Ciudad caribia,a complex located between Caracas and La Guaira,Maduro announced the activation of 284 “battle fronts” spanning the country – from its Caribbean coastline and Colombian border to the Andes mountains and southern regions.
“These seas, this land, these neighborhoods, these mountains, these immensities and the riches of these lands belong to the people of Venezuela. Thay will never belong to the American Empire,” Maduro declared, reinforcing a long-standing anti-US rhetoric.
Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of Interior and Justice, echoed Maduro’s defiant stance from the Falcón state, stating his readiness to confront any potential attack. “The enemies of the country, those inside and those outside, will have to understand that if they try to attack our homeland, we will be there,” he asserted.
The show of force comes after the US Navy sank a vessel last week allegedly carrying drug traffickers originating from Venezuela. This incident, coupled with a recently increased $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture on charges of drug trafficking – linking him to the ”Los Soles” cartel - has further escalated tensions. The Venezuelan regime vehemently denies these accusations, dismissing them as fabricated.
In response to the perceived threat,Maduro has already deployed 25,000 troops to border states with Colombia and along the Caribbean coast.
Joining Maduro in the nationwide patrols were prominent figures including Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez,Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López,National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez,and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez,who oversaw operations in the Sucre state.
The situation remains tense as Venezuela continues to assert its sovereignty and the US maintains its focus on disrupting drug trafficking operations in the region.
[Image of Maduro and Cabinet – EFE] Nicolás Maduro and members of his Cabinet during Thursday’s nationwide patrols.
[Image of Diosdado Cabello – Caption: Diosdado Cabello, Minister of Interior and Justice]
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