Background on Key Figures and Context
Nicolás Maduro, the current President of Venezuela since 2013, has been at odds with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. The tension escalated when Trump deployed eight warships and a submarine in the Caribbean Sea, claiming to have destroyed three suspected drug trafficking boats from Venezuela, resulting in 14 deaths.
Trump rejected an invitation to dialogue from Maduro, accusing him of leading a drug trafficking cartel. In response, Maduro has rallied his nation for preparedness against natural disasters and potential armed conflicts, indirectly referring to the perceived U.S. threats.
Venezuela’s Military Drills and State of Emergency Preparation
On Saturday, Maduro called for a drill starting at 09:00 local time to prepare the people for natural disasters or armed conflicts, alluding to the alleged U.S. threats.
- The drill follows recent earthquakes that caused anxiety but no casualties in a country unaccustomed to seismic activity.
- Maduro has been mobilizing the nation through volunteer recruitment for the Milicia, a civilian branch of the armed forces, and military exercises in barracks and popular neighborhoods.
- He displayed a red folder with the decree for “external commotion” across the entire national territory, stating it’s a constitutional instrument for military aggression defense.
According to Venezuelan law, the state of external commotion can be declared if there’s a serious threat to national security, citizens, or institutions due to external conflict.
U.S. Military Considerations Within Venezuela
NBC News reported that U.S. military officials are planning operations against drug traffickers inside Venezuela, with potential attacks starting within a few weeks.
- These actions would represent another escalation in the Trump administration’s military campaign against Venezuela and Maduro.
- Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega condemned the U.S. deployment in the Caribbean, stating that American leaders aim to seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a penal process against Trump at the United Nations General Assembly following alleged attacks on Venezuelan boats carrying drugs.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Nicolás Maduro? A: Nicolás Maduro has been the President of Venezuela since 2013, succeeding Hugo Chávez.
- Q: What is the nature of tension between Venezuela and the U.S.? A: The tension stems from accusations of drug trafficking by Maduro and U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean, which Venezuela perceives as a threat.
- Q: What are the recent actions taken by both nations? A: The U.S. deployed warships in the Caribbean, claiming to have destroyed drug trafficking boats from Venezuela. In response, Maduro has called for nationwide drills and preparedness against perceived threats.
- Q: How have other Latin American leaders responded? A: Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua condemned the U.S. deployment, while Gustavo Petro of Colombia called for a penal process against Trump at the UN General Assembly.
