Maduro Declares Emergency Amid US Naval Presence, Fueling Fears of Conflict
In response to the United States’ naval presence in the Caribbean, Nicolás Maduro has declared a state of external emergency in Venezuela, granting him expanded powers in defense and national security matters. The decree, which can last up to 180 days, was prompted by the deployment of U.S. military forces near Venezuelan waters, a move the Venezuelan government views as a threat and a pretext for regime change. Washington claims the deployment is part of an effort to combat drug trafficking, and earlier this month, U.S. forces carried out strikes on speedboats allegedly transporting narcotics from Venezuela, increasing tensions. The Venezuelan government has condemned the deployment as an act of coercion and a potential prelude to intervention.
John Q. Hosedrinker