Overview

• President Nicolás Maduro said he is prepared to declare a state of emergency if the United States launches an attack, noting a consultation process has begun.
• Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced a decree granting Maduro expanded defense powers, valid for 90 days with a potential 90-day renewal under the constitution.
• The United States has deployed eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine and F-35 fighters to the southern Caribbean, describing the mission as counternarcotics.
• U.S. forces have bombed several small boats in international waters they say were trafficking drugs, with Venezuela reporting at least 17 nationals killed and UN experts questioning the legality as potential extrajudicial killings.
• NBC News reported that U.S. officials are drafting options for air raids against traffickers inside Venezuela, while Venezuelan forces conduct training with volunteer militias for a possible incursion.