Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that his country will enter a "phase of armed war" if it faces military aggression from the United States.
The Venezuelan head of state's strong statements were made during an event called "Activation of the Municipal Militia Unit, in War," broadcast by state television VTV. Maduro stressed that any attempt to violate Venezuela's sovereignty and territorial integrity will receive a "planned and organized response from the entire people," Corriere reported.
He called on Washington and the US president to respect Venezuela's independence and abandon what he described as a policy of "violent regime change" in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In his speech, Maduro also rejected accusations of the country's involvement in international drug trafficking, stating that "Venezuela produces neither coca nor cocaine" and citing the progress in the fight against narcotics, which he said has also been recognized by international organizations.
The statements come at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries, after the US deployed a naval fleet to the Caribbean Sea to combat drug trafficking, an action that the Venezuelan government considers a direct threat to its security. The situation has been further escalated by statements by US President Donald Trump, who recently said he would order the downing of Venezuelan aircraft if they pose a threat to US forces in the region.
Tensions between the US and Venezuela appear to be entering a new phase of confrontation, with Maduro's warnings reinforcing harsh rhetoric and adding to uncertainties over stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
