Q24N — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency due to what he describes as a looming “aggression” threat from the United States, following a series of deadly US strikes on boats suspected of carrying Venezuelan drugs.
In a televised speech on Monday, Maduro said, “Today we began the consultation process to declare a state of emergency, as outlined in our constitution, to protect our people, our peace, and our stability in case Venezuela is militarily attacked by the American empire.”
Earlier that day, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez told foreign diplomats that Maduro had signed a decree granting himself “special powers” as head of state. This would allow him to act decisively on defense and security matters if the US “dares to attack our homeland.”
The decree would enable Maduro to mobilize troops nationwide and give the military control over public services and the oil sector.
This comes as US President Donald Trump has sent a significant naval force to waters near Venezuela, including eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 stealth fighters, alongside additional F-35s deployed to Puerto Rico.
This marks the largest US naval presence in the Caribbean in years.
Trump has repeatedly framed these moves as part of an anti-drug campaign to stop illegal narcotics from entering the US, despite data from the UN and US agencies indicating Venezuela is not a major cocaine source for the US market.
The US military has struck at least three small vessels in international waters near Venezuela, claiming they were involved in illicit drug trafficking.
At least 17 Venezuelans have died in these strikes, prompting Venezuela to accuse the US of waging an “undeclared war.” Under Maduro, the country has positioned itself as a defender against what it calls Western “imperialism.”
Reports suggest the situation may escalate further. NBC News reported that US military officials are preparing plans for air raids targeting drug traffickers inside Venezuela itself.
Maduro dismissed US accusations of Venezuela’s significant involvement in drug trafficking and expressed a desire for a “historic and peaceful” relationship with the US.
International experts and the UN have criticized the US bombings, saying attacks on boats in international waters without court indictments amount to “extrajudicial killings.”
Trump has also warned Venezuela it will pay an “incalculable” price if it does not take back immigrants the US president described as “prisoners” and “people from mental institutions.”
The special powers Maduro granted himself under the decree would last 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension, in line with Venezuela’s constitution.
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