Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, has instructed the United States to prepare itself in light of President Donald Trump’s increasing focus on targeting drug cartels in Latin America.
Recently, a peculiar video from Venezuela’s state media showed citizens who had been “trained” to deter potential US military actions.
The US is said to have sent three Aegis-guided missile destroyers near Venezuela’s waters. A source cited by Reuters mentioned that “around 4,000 sailors and marines” could be involved in upcoming operations in the southern Caribbean’s international airspace and waters.
For years, Maduro has insisted—albeit without proof—that the United States is planning to “invade” and remove him from power. Currently, he faces multiple narcoterrorism charges in the US and is linked to the Sands cartel, which is notorious for cocaine trafficking. The US has labeled him as a specially designated global terrorist (SDGT) entity.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy recently announced an increase in the bounty for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction, raising it to between $25 and $50 million.
“President Trump has been very clear and consistent about Venezuela. He aims to use all means available to stop drugs from entering our country and seek justice against those responsible,” she stated. “The Maduro regime cannot be considered a legitimate government. It operates as a drug-trafficking cartel.”
“From the viewpoint of this administration, Maduro isn’t a legitimate president. He is essentially a fugitive connected to the drug cartel, charged by the US for trafficking drugs into this country,” she added.
In response, Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the remarks from US officials, deeming them “desperate,” and labeled the allegations of drug trafficking as reflections of the US’s own failures and lack of credibility.
Maduro has previously reacted to US threats by “preparing” his nation for a potential invasion. Measures include the mobilization of around 4.5 million militia members and a 30-day ban on drone usage nationwide.
A video circulating on social media depicted Maduro at what seemed to be a martial arts demonstration organized by the Venezuelan military. The setting included large images of both Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, along with a digital rendition of Venezuelan hero Simon Bolivar, a tactic reminiscent of earlier propaganda efforts.
In the video, an official presented Maduro with a “combat club,” noteworthy for its cartoonish designs featuring his superhero persona, Bigote (“Supermaster”).
Another video from a recent event in Venezuela’s ruling Socialist Party showed Maduro singing a modified version of a well-known song, aiming to promote unity and counteract “sectarianism.” This song, made famous by late Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, was performed alongside comments urging solidarity among Venezuelans.
Maduro expressed, “We must overcome political sectarianism, which is one of the worst evils in political practice, and forge a united front that brings together all patriots wanting a free home.”
Interestingly, shortly after this performance, Maduro condemned US actions, calling them out as “eccentric and extravagant threats” against Venezuela. He briefly hinted at feelings of betrayal and referenced individuals unable to express their true feelings directly to him.
On another occasion, Maduro was seen alongside Diosdado Cabello, a person suspected of drug-related activities, insisting that Venezuela remains a “stronghold of sovereign peace against empire.” The event promoted a citizen security initiative in Caracas, branding it as a new model for community and law enforcement cooperation.
Maduro’s character in a new segment enthusiastically praised this initiative, claiming it represented a new approach to civic management, highlighting the bond between local communities and law enforcement in Venezuela.
He emphasized that, in the past, there may have been chaos, but now order prevails, showcasing a united front in the face of perceived threats.
