Overview

• Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the decree is signed and would activate immediately upon any external aggression, empowering Maduro to mobilize the armed forces, seize control of strategic infrastructure and close borders.
• Caracas warned it will prosecute anyone who promotes, supports or makes apologia of an external military attack, pledging to proceed under Venezuelan law.
• The announcement follows expanded U.S. deployments in the southern Caribbean, including warships, a nuclear‑propulsion submarine and F‑35 jets, and lethal interdictions Washington says targeted drug‑running vessels with multiple fatalities.
• NBC News reported U.S. officials were weighing options to strike narcotrafficking targets inside Venezuela, a scenario Venezuelan authorities cite in justifying the emergency framework.
• Legal advocates note Article 338 allows renewable 90‑day terms and cautioned that any restrictions must be proportionate, as Venezuela conducts coastal military exercises and reserve mobilizations during the standoff.