Maduro Vows Retaliation if Venezuela Faces Military Attack
CARACAS – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated he is prepared to take all necessary measures, “affecting that he is willing to” everything “for peace,” but with dignity, sovereignty and with intact wealth, should Venezuela be subjected to a military attack. The declaration comes amid escalating tensions with the United States, fueled by Washington’s increased naval presence in Caribbean waters and accusations of Venezuelan involvement in drug trafficking.
The escalating rhetoric reflects a deepening crisis between the two nations. Maduro’s government is currently evaluating the declaration of a “state of external shock” to counter what it deems “threats and aggressions” from the U.S. This move follows the deployment of U.S.warships and recent clashes resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals on vessels allegedly carrying narcotics. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil has accused the U.S. of attempting a “regime change” to gain control of Venezuela’s oil and gas reserves,asserting that accusations of weapons of mass destruction are fabricated justifications for military threats.
Gil, speaking before the UN General Assembly, condemned the U.S. actions as “vulgar and perverse lies” intended to legitimize a “millionaire atrocious, extravagant and immoral military threat.”
