Overview
- During a televised visit in Miranda state, Nicolás Maduro said alleged U.S. threats and lies give him “incalculable energy” to defend Venezuela.
- Maduro asserted that the same determination is shared by “millions” of Venezuelans whom he described as ready to defend the country.
- Caracas characterizes the U.S. deployment as an attempt at regime change, while the U.S. links Maduro to the so‑called Cartel de los Soles, a label Venezuela rejects.
- Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil urged Latin American and Caribbean nations at the ALBA Political Council to act as a “spearhead” against what he called Washington’s “madness.”
- Reporting cites at least eight U.S. warships, a nuclear‑powered attack submarine, more than 4,500 personnel, and F‑35B fighters staged in Puerto Rico, as Venezuela maintains militia drills and announces civil defense exercises without declaring an emergency.