Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, has instructed the country's Bolivarian Military Aviation to "remain vigilant and prepared" in response to what he perceives as an "imperialist threat" from the United States. He asserted that if Venezuela were to declare itself a "nation in arms," their inevitable outcome would be "victory."
Dressed in an olive-green uniform and red cap, Maduro addressed air force officers during an event marking the 105th anniversary of the Bolivarian Military Aviation, which was broadcasted by the state-run Venezolana de Televisión, as reported by EFE.
"I urge you to remain unshakeable in your calm, always vigilant, ready, and willing to defend our rights as a free and sovereign nation, and I am certain you will never let Venezuela down," he stated.
Maduro emphasized that should the country declare itself a republic in arms, its singular destiny would be "victory."
This declaration comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, following the U.S. military's deployment in the Caribbean—an action the Venezuelan leader interprets as a "threat to remove him from power."
The head of the Venezuelan regime claimed that "for the past 17 weeks, imperialist foreign forces have been threatening to disrupt peace in the Caribbean, Venezuela, and South America under false and extravagant pretexts."
Despite these challenges, Maduro insisted that "nothing has ever broken" the nation's resolve. "Neither the blockade, sanctions, nor this psychological warfare," he declared.
According to Maduro, Venezuela has developed a "tremendous capacity for coordination, command, control, communication, and popular-military-police unity" to counter any aggression. He praised the "remarkable force of resistance" that, in his view, the Venezuelan people exhibit against the "immoral pressures" from the United States.
The event also included the presence of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and other military officials.
Maduro's remarks coincide with escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, following the U.S. State Department's designation of the Cartel of the Suns—allegedly led by Maduro and top Venezuelan officials, according to the Trump administration—as a foreign terrorist organization.
Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused Washington of pressuring international airlines to avoid flying to Venezuela, which is grappling with an air connectivity crisis following the cancellation of over thirty international flights.
In retaliation, Caracas revoked licenses for airlines such as Iberia, TAP, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, Latam Colombia, and Gol.
The regime attributes these increasing restrictions to the "economic and diplomatic siege" by the United States, whose government maintains a military operation in the Caribbean aimed at countering drug trafficking, bolstered by the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.
As the official rhetoric hardens, Maduro insists that Venezuela is navigating a decisive phase, urging unity against perceived foreign aggressions. This sentiment is echoed by other senior officials in the regime.
Diosdado Cabello openly challenged international airlines that have canceled flights to Caracas, accusing them of succumbing to political pressures, and supported the government's decision to revoke licenses for companies like Iberia, TAP, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, and Latam Colombia.
In a surprising twist, Donald Trump suggested the possibility of dialogue with Maduro, to which the Venezuelan leader responded by saying that "anything is possible" if based on mutual respect.
This mention of potential engagement surfaces just as Caracas intensifies its confrontational rhetoric against the United States.
Venezuelan Political and Military Tensions
What prompted Maduro to call the Venezuelan air force to readiness?
Maduro instructed the air force to be ready due to what he perceives as an "imperialist threat" from the United States, especially following U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean.
How has the U.S. responded to Venezuela's actions?
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and designated the Cartel of the Suns, allegedly led by Maduro and Venezuelan officials, as a foreign terrorist organization.
What actions has Venezuela taken against international airlines?
In response to alleged U.S. pressures, Venezuela has revoked licenses for several airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, Latam Colombia, and Gol, amid an ongoing air connectivity crisis.