On Tuesday, Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, declared that the nation is experiencing a "critical juncture for its existence" and emphasized that failing to protect it against alleged threats from the United States is not an option.
Reported by the EFE agency, the event took place at Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas, with Maduro flanked by his military elite and senior officials, including Diosdado Cabello, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López.
Addressing military personnel and supporters, Maduro proclaimed, "If the homeland demands, the homeland will have our lives if necessary," during a march commemorating the bicentennial of the so-called Sword of Peru, a symbol of the liberator Simón Bolívar.
The Venezuelan leader urged the Armed Forces, police, and civilians to "multiply by ten" their efforts to defend "every inch of territory from any imperialist aggression," insisting that "nobody has any excuses."
This mobilization came a day after the U.S. Department of State confirmed the designation of the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist group, linking it to Maduro and high-ranking Venezuelan military officials—a claim that Caracas has dismissed as a "Washington invention."
The event also coincided with the suspension of around thirty international flights from Caracas, following a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about a "potentially dangerous" situation in the region.
Clad in military uniform and wielding Bolívar's golden sword, Maduro pledged to "give his all for the victory of Venezuela against imperialist aggressions."
As he unsheathed the weapon before the crowd at Paseo Los Próceres, the president remarked, "I receive it 200 years later with its liberating energy," as the chavismo regime once again used Bolívar's image as a political emblem amid the country's prolonged crisis.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he does not rule out a possible dialogue with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, despite his administration's accusations of him leading a terrorist organization.
According to EFE, Trump remarked aboard Air Force One, "I could talk to him, we'll see," when questioned by reporters about the potential for discussions with Maduro.
He added that "he is the leader" and that "we can save lives," though he cautioned that matters can proceed "the good way or the bad way."
Venezuela's Political Tensions and International Reactions
What is the critical juncture that Venezuela is facing according to Maduro?
Maduro claims that Venezuela is at a critical point concerning its existence due to alleged threats from the United States, emphasizing the importance of defending the nation.
What recent actions has the U.S. taken concerning Venezuela?
The U.S. Department of State recently designated the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist group, linking it to Maduro and Venezuelan military leaders, a claim Venezuela has labeled as a fabrication.