Venezuela's President, Nicolás Maduro, has called on the American people to stop what he describes as the "reckless hand" issuing bombing orders. This statement is a reference to what he perceives as a military threat from the Trump administration.
These comments were made during a meeting with international legal experts in Caracas, broadcasted by the state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV). The statement followed the announcement of the U.S. military operation “Southern Spear” in the Caribbean Sea.
Maduro condemned the naval and aerial maneuvers by the U.S. near Venezuelan shores, which the U.S. government claims are part of its anti-narcotics efforts, as reported by EFE.
"I'm addressing the American people now: stop the reckless hand that orders bombing, killing, and waging war on South America and the Caribbean. Stop the war, no to war," Maduro urged those present.
He appealed to U.S. citizens to "play a leading role" in preventing "a tragedy for all of America," advocating for continental peace. "Do we want another Gaza here in South America? What does the American public say? Let me tell you, no. Peace will prevail here," added the Venezuelan leader.
Maduro's remarks came a day after U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the military operation “Southern Spear,” purportedly aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Latin America.
In a social media post on X, Hegseth stated that the operation would be spearheaded by a joint task force under the U.S. Southern Command, though he provided no specific details.
On the same day, President Donald Trump mentioned he had made a decision regarding potential military action against Venezuela, but he withheld details on future actions.
Sources close to the Pentagon indicate that the operation would involve extensive naval and aerial deployment near Venezuelan waters, aligning with a strategy Trump approved last August.
Without directly referencing the operation, Maduro asserted that Venezuela is defending its sovereignty and right to peace. He announced a plan to collaborate with international jurists to present "claims and actions before international bodies" against U.S. measures.
During another event at the Miraflores Palace, Maduro directed a message to American believers, urging them to "ring the bells of peace, not the drums of war."
"We send our message from Venezuela to U.S. Christians and our America, to carry the banner of peace, harmony, forgiveness, and the great mercy of the Lord," the president stated during a prayer session broadcasted by VTV.
Present at the ceremony were Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the president's son and vice president of Religious Affairs of the PSUV, along with representatives from various Christian churches.
The Venezuelan leader emphasized that his country "does not seek confrontation" but rather aims to defend its independence against "imperial threats."
Understanding U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. military initiative announced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Latin America. It involves a joint task force under the U.S. Southern Command.
Why did Nicolás Maduro address the American public?
Maduro reached out to the American public to urge them to stop what he sees as reckless military actions and to advocate for peace, fearing a potential conflict might affect the entire American continent.