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

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has escalated his rhetoric against the United States, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow his government through a significant military build-up in the Caribbean. In rare public comments to reporters, Maduro said that while Venezuela seeks peace, his military is prepared to respond to any US aggression, even pledging to declare a “republic in arms” if attacked. He described the situation as the “biggest threat the continent has faced in the last 100 years.”

Maduro asserted that the US had deployed eight warships carrying 1,200 missiles and a submarine positioned against Venezuela. For weeks, he has raised alarms about a US naval presence in the Southern Caribbean. Washington maintains that the deployment is part of operations to combat Latin American drug cartels, but Maduro and his supporters argue it is a cover for military interference. To counter this, Venezuela has moved troops to its borders and called on thousands of citizens to join armed militias. Reports indicate that the US Navy has at least two guided-missile destroyers, a cruiser, and a fast-attack submarine in the region, with the potential addition of amphibious assault ships carrying 4,000 sailors and marines. Although heavily deployed, the US has not announced any plans to place troops directly on Venezuelan soil.

Tensions between the two nations have been heightened by long-standing US accusations linking Maduro to drug trafficking and criminal groups. The Trump administration doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to his arrest. However, no concrete evidence has been provided, and earlier in the year, US media revealed that an intelligence memo found no link between Maduro and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, undermining one of Washington’s key allegations.

Despite his fiery rhetoric about resisting US intervention, Maduro has previously expressed willingness to cooperate with the United States on immigration issues. He agreed to accept deported Venezuelans from the US, signaling pragmatic engagement even as political hostilities persisted.

The accusations of drug ties remain central to US policy toward Venezuela, shaping not only diplomatic relations but also immigration enforcement. Claims of Maduro’s involvement were used to fast-track deportations of Venezuelans accused of gang membership without due legal process.

Domestically, Maduro continues to face political turmoil. He insisted in his press briefing that he is Venezuela’s legitimate leader after winning a contested third term in the 2024 elections. The opposition, however, has rejected his victory, maintaining that they were the true winners. This claim has been supported internationally: neither the United States nor most regional governments recognize Maduro’s re-election, further isolating him diplomatically.

In sum, Venezuela is caught in an escalating standoff with the United States. Maduro portrays the US military build-up as an existential threat designed to topple his government, while Washington frames its actions as part of anti-narcotics operations. The Venezuelan president has responded by mobilizing troops and militias while attempting to rally nationalistic support. The broader context combines external military tensions, US-led allegations of criminal ties, and an unresolved domestic legitimacy crisis following Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election.