Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro at the National Assembly in Caracas on August 22, 2025. Photo by Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images/File
Based on data from CNN
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela announced his readiness to declare a state of emergency to protect the country in the event of a military aggression by the United States, amid growing tensions tied to the deployment of American ships in the Caribbean Sea.
In a televised address, he noted that the “process of consultations” has begun with the aim of declaring a “state of external unrest” in accordance with constitutional norms, in order to withstand a potential strike by the Empire of the United States and protect the population, peace, and stability of the country.
The process of consultations has begun with the aim of declaring a “state of external unrest” in accordance with the Constitution and to defend our people, our peace and our stability… in the event that Venezuela is attacked by the Empire of the United States.
Tension between Caracas and Washington: what the country is facing
The address came amid several weeks of tension over the deployment of American ships in the Caribbean Sea. Washington says these actions are part of the fight against drug trafficking, while Caracas views them as a step toward regime change.
The United States accuses Maduro and his regime of involvement in drug trafficking. Venezuela, for its part, rejects these claims, and the U.S. administration has raised the bounty for the president’s arrest to a much higher level.
According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the recent strikes were aimed at several ships that were allegedly carrying drugs, but no concrete evidence has been released.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stressed that the declaration would grant the head of state special powers in the event of aggression against the country.
According to her, the new powers will allow mobilizing the entire nation’s armed forces and taking control of public services, the oil and gas sector, and other areas of the economy in the name of national security.
Maduro may also close land, sea, and air borders and employ various economic, political, and social measures to defend the country.
“(The Declaration) aims to protect the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, and vital strategic interests of our republic from any serious violation or external aggression that could occur against our territory.”
Although Trump had previously hinted at downplaying regime change, he did not rule out taking measures against drug traffickers, including within Venezuela, as part of a broader strategy to undermine Maduro’s position, according to several sources.
In Caracas, authorities condemned the deployment of American ships and responded with aerial drills in the Caribbean Sea, mobilizing the militia and demonstrating military discipline using Russian-language aviation to show readiness for any threats.
Militiamen are conducting trainings in regions across the country, learning to handle weapons and protect communities from potential external threats.
“We are preparing along three lines: comprehensive defense of the country, active people’s resistance, and the constant offensive strength of the entire people.”
Last week, hundreds of militia members took part in a military parade in Caracas, which Maduro called the culmination of the people’s unity to defend the country.
Participants joined forces with local fishermen who took to protests in boats off the shores of Juan Griego Bay near Margarita Island, demonstrating readiness to defend their territories. Government representatives organized demonstration events to draw attention to Caracas’s position.
Carlos Caravallo, a 39-year-old fisherman, said he joined the militia and now regularly receives invitations to training. “I don’t know how ready they are for missile strikes, but such organizations exist,” he says, answering questions about readiness for a potential large-scale conflict.
According to Rodríguez’s official position, the declaration will be activated immediately in case of any aggression and takes effect after the president’s decree and publication in the Official Gazette. The legal duration is 90 days with the possibility of a further 90-day extension.
Despite these steps, Venezuela reiterates that it does not seek war, but is aimed only at defending sovereignty and national security.
In the context of the events, the leaders continue to seek diplomatic channels: Maduro, in a letter to the U.S. administration, expressed readiness for direct talks through his personal envoy, Richard Grenell, while the White House kept its stance on Venezuela unchanged.
Ultimately, the countries continue to focus on strengthening defense, demonstrating national unity, and continuing dialogue as ways to reduce risks and avert escalation.
More interesting materials:
- US President Donald Trump threatens drug traffickers at the 80th UN General Assembly, pledging to destroy their networks and use extraordinary powers against Venezuelan smugglers.
- The US launched a deadly strike on a suspected drug ship in the Caribbean, signaling a tougher stance against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, with future aggressive actions expected.
- Venezuela launches three-day military drills in the Caribbean amid rising tensions with US naval presence, showcasing air, sea, and land capabilities with Russian-made fighter jets.
