Maduro Threatens State of Emergency Over U.S. ‘Aggression’

Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro has warned that he is ready to declare a state of emergency if the United States launches what he described as military aggression against his country.

The announcement follows weeks of rising tension in the Caribbean, where Washington has deployed warships, fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine as part of an anti-narcotics mission.

Venezuelan officials insist the operations are a cover for broader efforts to destabilize the Maduro government, while U.S. authorities say they are aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed on Monday that Maduro has already signed a decree granting himself sweeping powers to mobilize the armed forces and take control of critical sectors, including public services and the oil industry, if necessary.

Under the Venezuelan constitution, such emergency measures would initially last 90 days but could be renewed for a further three months.

The decree comes days after Venezuelan authorities accused the U.S. military of carrying out strikes on vessels near the country’s coast, which Caracas claims killed at least 17 people. Washington defended the action as part of its anti-drug campaign, but human rights groups and legal experts have raised concerns over the legitimacy of such cross-border operations.

Maduro, in a televised address, said Venezuela was in “maximum preparedness” and warned that any attack on its sovereignty would trigger a full-scale national mobilization.

“If they dare to touch one inch of our territory, the republic will rise in arms,” he declared.

The development underscores the fragile state of relations between Washington and Caracas, with fears that a miscalculation could escalate into open confrontation.

For now, Venezuelans are bracing for the possibility of sweeping emergency measures that could reshape daily life and further entrench Maduro’s grip on power.