Venezuelan regime leader, Nicolás Maduro, on Monday issued a stark warning to the United States and specifically to President Donald Trump. This came after Washington increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's capture to $50 million. Surrounded by top military and police chiefs during his television program "Con Maduro +," Maduro insisted that any attempt to detain him could herald "the end of the American empire."
"To the imperialists and my people, I say: do not dare, because the response might mark the beginning of the end of the American empire. Leave undisturbed those who are quiet. I am a man of peace, but also a warrior," Maduro declared defiantly.
Joining him on the set was Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who boasted about having activated the so-called "peace quadrants" across 2,703 community circuits nationwide, equipped with patrols, motorcycles, communication devices, and an upgraded surveillance camera system.
Meanwhile, the Strategic Operational Commander of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), General-in-Chief Domingo Hernández Lárez, pledged unwavering loyalty to the Chavista leader. He condemned the U.S. bounty offer, labeling it a "disgrace" to Venezuelan military honor. "In a Hollywood western style, they offer bounties for our leaders. The FANB feels insulted," Hernández Lárez stated.
Joint Military Initiative with Colombia
During another segment of the program, Maduro surprised many by proposing a joint initiative between the Venezuelan and Colombian Armed Forces to tackle violence and drug trafficking along their shared border. This suggestion follows recent comments by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, one of Caracas' few regional allies.
"Let's unite the efforts of authorities, governors, and mayors; align ministries, and bring together the military forces of both nations to ensure violence-free territories from Táchira and Zulia to La Guajira," Maduro articulated.
Maduro's threat comes shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of State announced the reward increase for his capture, accusing him of heading the Cartel of the Suns and orchestrating large cocaine shipments to the U.S. Washington has vowed relentless pursuit to bring Maduro to justice, while the Venezuelan leader insists it is an "imperial aggression" against his government and nation.
Understanding the Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S.
What prompted Maduro's warning to the U.S.?
Maduro's warning was in response to the U.S. increasing the reward for information leading to his capture to $50 million, which he sees as a direct threat.
How has the Venezuelan military reacted to the U.S. bounty?
Venezuelan military leaders, including General Domingo Hernández Lárez, have condemned the U.S. bounty, viewing it as an insult to their military honor.
What is the proposed joint initiative with Colombia?
Maduro proposed a collaboration between Venezuelan and Colombian military forces to combat violence and drug trafficking on their border, following discussions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro.