The Venezuelan Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, stated that the Maduro regime is prepared to confront U.S. threats with confidence and determination.
Despite this bold stance, Padrino acknowledged the intimidating presence of U.S. military force, referring to it as a "threat" during his appearance on state television this Saturday.
Padrino described the United States as "one of the most genocidal empires in human history," acknowledging its dominance in "technological, economic, financial, and military" spheres, often used, he claims, to harm and protect its interests.
"The North American imperialists have decided to further threaten us with bombers, missile ships, and nuclear-powered submarines in the Caribbean. And how did we respond? By fostering greater national unity," Padrino declared.
The military leader affirmed that "no threat or maritime and aerial deployment, no matter how powerful or intimidating, will deter us from our path of freedom and independence."
"We vehemently reject maneuvers, exercises, and deployments near our area of interest in Venezuela. Enough with the threats," he added.
The military chief's statements came shortly after Reuters reported that the U.S. government is considering new operations against Venezuela in the coming days.
According to four Trump Administration officials, the options under consideration include attempts to destabilize Maduro's government. However, the exact timing and scope of these operations remain unclear, and it is uncertain if President Donald Trump has made a final decision.
Two sources, speaking anonymously, suggested that covert operations could be the next step against Maduro's regime.
Neither the CIA nor the White House offered any comments on the matter. The officials cited in the article spoke under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the impending U.S. actions.
"President Trump is prepared to use all resources of American power to prevent drugs from entering our country and bring those responsible to justice," one official stated.
Airlines Suspend Flights to Venezuela Following U.S. Warning
This Saturday, it was revealed that six international airlines have temporarily halted operations in Venezuela following a U.S. security warning.
The airlines, including Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Colombia's Avianca, Trinidad's Caribbean Airlines, Brazil's GOL, and Chile's LATAM, suspended flights to and from Venezuela.
The decision followed an alert from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about increased military activity and deteriorating safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace.
Marisela de Loaiza, President of the Venezuelan Airline Association (ALAV), confirmed to EFE that these airlines decided to cancel operations in response to the warning, particularly affecting the Maiquetía flight information region, a hub for international arrivals and departures.
Spanish newspaper El País reported that while the FAA has not banned flights over Venezuela, it has urged airlines to "exercise extreme caution" due to a "potential risk situation" stemming from increased military maneuvers in or around Venezuelan territory.
The advisory, effective until February 19, also requires airlines to notify 72 hours in advance if they plan to enter Venezuelan airspace.
The regional context adds further tension. El País notes that the USS Gerald Ford, the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, recently joined Washington's naval deployment in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign presented by the U.S. as a fight against drug trafficking. However, it has sparked political tensions and speculation about potential actions against Nicolás Maduro's government.
Maduro's Dance: "Nothing Stops Me"
On Friday, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro once again made headlines for his awkward dancing to a tune attempting to mimic his efforts to speak English.
"No war, no crazy war, no, no, no, how do you say in English? Peace, peace, yes peace," Maduro was heard repeating and singing to the music during a student day celebration in Caracas.
"It's Friday, and what happens on Friday? And what are we going to do today? Peaceful Venezuela, Friday night is declared total party time! Party, party, party! It's Friday, and I'm going to party! And nothing stops me!" he told the gathering of students.
Amid tensions with the U.S., the Venezuelan dictator assured that American "threats" would not stop him.
"Stop the war, no to war, Venezuela wants peace," he added.
Understanding U.S.-Venezuela Relations and Recent Developments
What is the current stance of the Venezuelan military towards U.S. threats?
The Venezuelan military, led by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, has expressed its intention to face U.S. threats with confidence and unity, dismissing them as intimidations that will not deter Venezuela's pursuit of freedom and independence.
How have airlines responded to the U.S. security warning regarding Venezuela?
Several international airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, GOL, and LATAM, have temporarily suspended flights to and from Venezuela in response to a U.S. security warning about increased military activity in Venezuelan airspace.
What actions might the U.S. take against the Maduro regime?
The U.S. is reportedly considering various operations, including covert actions, against the Maduro regime, although the specifics and timing remain unclear.