Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro declared on Friday that his nation is ready to enter a "planned armed struggle" phase in the event of a military attack by the United States. This announcement comes amid the escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, fueled by the presence of US naval and air forces in the Caribbean.
"We are currently in the phase of readiness and preparation. We will soon move into the deployment phase for our defensive capabilities and the retraining of the entire population," stated Maduro. "We are still in the non-armed struggle phase, which is political and communicational. However, if Venezuela faces any form of aggression, we will transition to a planned and organized armed struggle involving the entire populace against such an attack," he announced through state media.
Maduro made this statement while clad in military attire, following US President Donald Trump's directive authorizing military forces to shoot down Venezuelan aircraft that threaten US vessels operating in international Caribbean waters. "If they do something dangerous, we will shoot them down," Trump asserted during a White House press briefing, addressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pentagon reported on Friday that two F-16 jets from the Venezuelan National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) flew at a low altitude over the USS Jason Dunham destroyer. This maneuver was labeled as "highly provocative" and aimed at disrupting anti-narcotics and anti-terrorist operations.
In response, Maduro emphasized that Venezuela does not fear Washington's warnings and justified the mobilization of his militias. "We would move to an armed struggle phase to defend peace, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and our people," he asserted.
The Venezuelan leader also confirmed two days ago that he maintains "open channels of communication" with the United States, although he admitted these are "in poor condition." He recalled that this stance was a "golden rule" passed down from Hugo Chávez.
The tension between the two countries has intensified in recent weeks following a US military action that resulted in 11 deaths after sinking a Venezuelan vessel accused of drug trafficking. Additionally, the recent deployment of 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to bolster the regional air presence has further strained relations.
Understanding the Venezuela-US Tensions
What prompted Nicolás Maduro to declare a potential armed struggle?
Nicolás Maduro announced the possibility of a planned armed struggle in response to heightened tensions with the United States, particularly due to the presence of US naval and air forces in the Caribbean.
How has the United States responded to Venezuelan military maneuvers?
The United States has condemned Venezuelan military maneuvers, particularly a low-altitude flight by FANB jets over a US destroyer, calling it "highly provocative."
Are there ongoing communications between Venezuela and the United States?
Yes, Nicolás Maduro has confirmed that there are open channels of communication with the United States, although they are currently strained.