Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that he is prepared to declare a “republic in arms” if US forces launch an attack against his government, amid heightened tensions over a major American military deployment in the Caribbean.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Maduro accused Washington of plotting regime change under the guise of an anti-drug operation.
“They are seeking a regime change through military threat,” he said. “If Venezuela were attacked, we would immediately move to armed struggle in defence of our territory.”
Maduro claimed the US had dispatched “eight military ships with 1,200 missiles and a submarine targeting Venezuela,” calling it “the biggest threat seen on our continent in 100 years.”
US naval presence in the Caribbean
According to US officials, the Navy currently has two Aegis guided-missile destroyers — the USS Gravely and USS Jason Dunham — deployed in the Caribbean, alongside the USS Sampson and cruiser USS Lake Erie.
A nuclear-powered submarine is also reported to be part of the mission, with the Associated Press noting that amphibious assault ships carrying up to 4,000 sailors and Marines could soon join the force.
Washington insists the operation is focused on dismantling Latin American drug cartels and has not announced plans to put troops on Venezuelan soil.
Maduro under pressure
The Trump administration has accused Maduro of ties to drug trafficking groups, offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. However, US media previously reported that an internal intelligence memo found no evidence linking him to Venezuela’s criminal network Tren de Aragua, raising doubts over the allegations.
Despite harsh rhetoric against US intervention, Maduro has occasionally signalled willingness to cooperate with Washington, including on deportation agreements.
He also reiterated on Monday that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader following his contested 2024 re-election, which most Western and regional governments refuse to recognise. The opposition continues to claim it was the rightful winner of that vote.
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