Maduro rails at 'Illegal' US deployment off Venezuela

Accusations of regime change and aggression

Maduro addressed lawmakers, declaring, "What they're threatening to do against Venezuela — regime change, a military terrorist attack — is immoral, criminal and illegal." He framed the situation as not only a threat to Venezuela but to the entire Latin American region, warning that "an act of aggression against one country is an attack on all."

Increased US pressure and military movements

The comments come as the US intensifies its pressure on Maduro’s government. Earlier this month, the Trump administration doubled the bounty for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million on drug-related charges. A US source confirmed that three Aegis-class guided missile destroyers were en route to international waters near Venezuela, and US media suggested the deployment of up to 4,000 Marines.

US accusations and indictments

In 2020, US federal prosecutors charged Maduro and other Venezuelan officials with participating in a “narco-terrorism” conspiracy. The Justice Department accused Maduro of leading the “Cartel of the Suns,” a group allegedly responsible for shipping massive quantities of cocaine into the United States over two decades.

Maduro’s response and national Mobilisation

In response to what he views as imminent threats, Maduro announced the deployment of 4.5 million militia members across the country. He also called for public rallies over the weekend to denounce the US actions, positioning the movement as a national and regional defense against foreign intervention.