Maduro Vows to Declare ‘Republic in Arms’ if US Attacks Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warned he would declare a “republic in arms” if US forces attacked, accusing Washington of seeking regime change through a military buildup in the Caribbean. Maduro claimed the US deployed warships, missiles, and a submarine targeting Venezuela, calling it the continent’s biggest threat in a century. He deployed troops to borders and urged citizens to join militias. The US says its naval presence combats drug cartels, though critics suspect intervention. Washington has accused Maduro of drug ties, offering a $50m reward for his arrest, but evidence is lacking. Maduro insists he legitimately won Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election.