Maduro Sings ‘Imagine’ to Urge Peace With U.S. as Caracas Orders Mobilization in Eastern States

Overview

• At a Nov. 15 ceremony in Miranda to swear in Bolivarian base committees, Nicolás Maduro sang John Lennon’s “Imagine” and urged supporters to “do everything for peace.”
• He repeated “peace, peace, peace,” asked Communications Minister Alfred Nazareth to recall the lyrics, and officials on stage made peace signs as the crowd applauded.
• Maduro announced permanent mobilization in Bolívar, Delta Amacuro, Monagas, Anzoátegui, Nueva Esparta and Sucre, linking the move to U.S.–Trinidad and Tobago drills beginning Nov. 16.
• The United States has expanded operations under the Southern Spear campaign, deploying assets such as the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group and additional aircraft, which it describes as counternarcotics activity.
• Venezuelan authorities accuse Washington of fabricating a conflict to justify intervention, while U.S. figures report 20 actions against suspected trafficking boats resulting in 80 deaths in the Caribbean.