Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that he will declare a state of emergency if the United States carries out military action against his country.
The announcement, delivered by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, revealed that Maduro has already signed a decree granting him special powers in the event of an attack. The 90-day measure, which can be renewed, would allow him to mobilize the armed forces, assume control of public services, and safeguard Venezuela’s vital oil industry.
The warning follows the deployment of U.S. warships to the Caribbean, with Washington insisting the move is part of operations against drug trafficking. Venezuela, however, accuses the U.S. of aggression, pointing to strikes that have already destroyed boats and caused casualties.
Rodríguez said Venezuela is ready to defend itself, stressing that if former U.S. President Donald Trump orders an attack, the emergency decree will take effect immediately.
Maduro has long claimed that the U.S. intends to use anti-drug operations as a pretext to seize Venezuela’s resources. He vowed that the country would resist any assault with “maximum preparedness.”
Report by: Isaac Blessing | Edited by: Chris Odjomah