Rising Tensions in the Americas: Maduro Blames Washington for Destabilization While Venezuela Conducts Military Exercises
Caracas, Venezuela — Tensions between Venezuela and the United States escalated this week as President Nicolas Maduro accused Washington of “fabricating a war” against his government. The remarks came amid the approach of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, capable of deploying up to 90 aircraft and attack helicopters, towards Venezuelan waters.
Maduro, speaking in a national broadcast on Friday night, claimed that the Trump administration was creating a “new eternal war” narrative against Venezuela. He denied U.S. allegations linking him to organized crime, particularly the Tren de Aragua gang, calling the accusations “vulgar, criminal, and totally fake.”
“Venezuela is a country that does not produce cocaine leaves,” Maduro said, rejecting claims that his government shields criminal networks.
The accusations come amid reports of ongoing US military operations in the Caribbean, which include the bombing of 10 boats suspected of drug trafficking since September 2, resulting in at least 43 deaths. United Nations officials have condemned these strikes as violations of international law, describing them as extrajudicial executions.
Venezuela Responds with Military Exercises
In response, Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced that Venezuela had launched coastal defence exercises across nine states to safeguard the country against potential covert operations, terrorist threats, and drug trafficking. State television broadcast footage of military personnel and civilian militia equipped with Russian Igla-S shoulder-fired missiles, emphasizing preparedness for any escalation.
“CIA is present not only in Venezuela but everywhere in the world. Any attempt will fail,” Lopez said, highlighting Caracas’ distrust of U.S. intentions.
Maduro has also initiated legal proceedings to revoke the citizenship and passport of opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez, accusing him of supporting U.S. military interventions. Lopez, who has lived in exile in Spain since 2020, dismissed the move on social media, citing constitutional protections for Venezuelan nationals.
Regional Tensions Expand
The geopolitical tension is not limited to Venezuela. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, accusing them of failing to curb cocaine production and protecting criminal groups under Petro’s Total Peace initiative. Petro responded by claiming the sanctions were politically motivated and rooted in longstanding Republican criticism, further straining U.S.-Colombia relations.
Meanwhile, U.S. military deployments, including eight Navy ships, 10 F-35 warplanes, and a nuclear-powered submarine, continue to operate in the Caribbean under the guise of anti-drug operations, though Caracas claims they mask plans to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
The Bigger Picture
The standoff highlights the growing U.S.-Venezuela tensions and signals a potential escalation of military and diplomatic confrontations in the region. While Maduro frames the U.S. actions as a fabricated war, Washington’s increasing presence in the Caribbean underscores the geopolitical stakes in the Americas.