Maduro Declares Emergency Over U.S. Military Presence Near Venezuela

Venezuela Declares State of Emergency Amid Tensions with U.S.

The Venezuelan government has officially declared a state of external emergency, a move that comes in response to perceived threats from the United States. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced on Monday that the decree, signed by President Nicolás Maduro, is a defensive measure against potential U.S. military actions.

The decree provides Maduro with enhanced authority over defense and national security, should there be an attack from U.S. forces. This development follows the positioning of U.S. military units near Venezuelan waters, which the U.S. claims is part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking. Caracas, however, interprets this as an attempt to instigate regime change in Venezuela.

Last week, Maduro expressed his intention to issue the decree, citing increased U.S. aggression as a concern, particularly given the substantial military presence in the Caribbean. In a televised statement, he emphasized, “Our goal is to ensure that the entire nation, every citizen, has the support and protection of all the forces of Venezuelan society to respond to any threat or attack against our country.” He insisted that the emergency declaration is vital for maintaining Venezuela’s sovereignty and stability amid elevated tensions with the U.S.

According to Venezuela’s constitution, specifically Article 338, an external emergency declaration, known as “Declaración de Conmoción Externa,” permits the government to temporarily suspend certain constitutional guarantees. However, fundamental rights such as the right to life and protections against torture are not affected. This emergency status can last for 90 days and may be renewed once for another 90 days. It requires approval from the Council of Ministers, a submission to the National Assembly, and a review by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court within eight days.

The United States asserts that its military operations in the Caribbean aim to dismantle drug trafficking networks. This month, the U.S. launched what is described as the largest regional military deployment in decades, involving warships, F-35 fighter jets, and thousands of personnel, with the express purpose of targeting transnational criminal organizations and drug routes.

Venezuela has denounced the U.S. deployment as an act of coercion and a possible precursor to intervention. Tensions escalated in early September following U.S. strikes on speedboats, which were allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela. Reports from President Trump on his Truth Social account indicate that these operations resulted in at least 17 fatalities.

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