Maduro bolsters Powers Amidst U.S. Threat Concerns
CARACAS – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has invoked a state of exception, granting himself expanded powers too deploy the armed forces adn take control of key infrastructure, citing threats of attack and potential military intervention from the United States. The decree, issued under the constitutional provision for “external shock,” is effective for 90 days nationwide.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced the measure will allow Maduro to utilize the country’s full military capacity and seize strategic industries deemed vital to national security and public services. It also authorizes border closures and the activation of Chavismo’s claimed 4.5 million-strong militia force.
During a meeting of the Council of the Nation, maduro asserted, “Venezuela will never be humiliated by any empire,” and emphasized the need for national unity in defending sovereignty. He stated the government was also preparing “other legal constitutional court measures” to respond to potential U.S. aggression.
Rodríguez warned against any promotion or facilitation of external military aggression within or outside venezuelan territory.
the decree aligns with the Venezuelan Constitution, wich permits a state of exception “in case of internal or external conflict that seriously endangers the security of the nation, its citizens or its institutions.” Maduro cautioned that any U.S.military action against Venezuela could escalate into “a war of continental proportions.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
