Maduro Considers Declaring State of Exterior Shock in Venezuela Amidst US Military deployment
Venezuelan President Nicolás maduro is evaluating the declaration of a “State of Exterior Shock” throughout the nation, citing potential threats to the country’s security. The move comes in response to a recent US military deployment in the caribbean, which includes warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and over 4,000 military personnel.
According to Article 338 of the 1999 Venezuelan Constitution, the President has the authority to declare such a state “in case of internal or external conflict, which seriously endangers the security of the nation, its citizens and citizens, or its institutions.” The declaration can initially last for ninety days and be extended for another ninety.
Maduro discussed the potential decree during a meeting with key government officials, including Caryslia Rodríguez, President of the Supreme Court of Justice; Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly; Tarek William Saab, Attorney general of the Republic; and Delcy Rodríguez, Executive Vice President.
“We are in the debate of the decree through which the State of external shock throughout the territory National,” Maduro stated, as reported by Efecto Cocuyo. He emphasized that the constitution empowers them to defend the country,stating,”This meeting of the Executive Committee constitutionally shields the actions that correspond to the Venezuelan State in the defense,safeguard,guarantee of peace and territorial integrity of our homeland,in the National Union.”
Maduro justified extending the potential state of shock to the “entire nation” and all citizens, asserting that all Venezuelan society’s forces would be activated to respond to threats or attacks. He expressed confidence that Venezuela “will go ahead again” nonetheless of the circumstances.
The Chavista government initially dismissed the US military deployment as a “psychological war.” Though, they have as moved to mobilize and enlist citizens in the Bolivarian militia, reinforced the border with Colombia, deployed naval forces along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, and conducted military exercises on Orchila Island. Following a declaration of permanent enlistment, those enrolled have undergone training, initially in barracks and subsequently in “communal circuits” – geographically and politically defined areas established by the government.
“We are prepared for any scenario to guarantee the stability, the exercise of the sovereignty and the union of our country,” Maduro affirmed in a national address.
During the meeting, Attorney General Tarek William Saab also criticized the US’s “war on drug trafficking,” alleging it was being pursued with potentially aggressive intentions.
The discussion follows a strong statement made by former US President Donald Trump against Maduro at the United Nations, as reported by Efecto Cocuyo.
