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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warned on Monday that he would “declare a republic in arms” if U.S. forces attacked his country. He described the deployment as an “extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.” The U.S. is expanding its maritime presence to target drug cartels, deploying warships and personnel.
While U.S. officials have not indicated plans for a land invasion, Maduro’s government has mobilized troops along the coast and border with Colombia and encouraged citizens to join civilian militias. Venezuela has accused the U.S. of attempting regime change and now has 15,000 troops deployed at its western frontier with Colombia.
The U.S. Navy has deployed several ships including:
– The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie
– Nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Newport News
– Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson
– Littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-St Paul
– Amphibious assault ships USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale
This accounts for roughly 4,500 personnel, including over 2,000 Marines. Three amphibious assault ships will enter the region this week.
U.S. officials claim Venezuela is a key transit hub for cocaine shipments to North America and Europe. Caracas denies these allegations, saying they are just claims to justify opposing Maduro’s government.
On Sunday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared that the country is ready to confront “any attack” from the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombian President Gustavo Petro also opposed U.S. moves in the Caribbean, warning of potential escalation.
Maduro said he was the legitimate winner of last year’s presidential election despite widespread evidence suggesting otherwise and several countries not recognizing him as president. He warned that U.S. military action against Venezuela would “stain” Trump’s “hands with blood.”
Tensions remain high between the U.S. and Venezuela as troop deployment increases. Diplomatic efforts within the United Nations and regional allies could impact future developments.
This article was updated on 9/1/25, 4:48 p.m. ET.
