Maduro Urges Brazilians to Rally for Venezuela as U.S. Maritime Pressure Mounts

Overview

• Maduro delivered the appeal in a state TV program, speaking in Portuguese as he held a cap from Brazil’s MST movement.
• U.S. forces say they have conducted 23 operations against suspected drug‑smuggling vessels since September, with over 80 fatalities reported, while Washington links Maduro to the so‑called Cartel de los Soles and Caracas rejects the accusation.
• People close to the Venezuelan government say Maduro has altered his routines, switched phones, expanded Cuban bodyguard roles, and limited scheduled appearances for security.
• Maduro said he held a respectful phone call with President Donald Trump, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has offered to mediate between Washington and Caracas.
• Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for international marches for peace and freedom on Saturday, underscoring polarized mobilization around Venezuela’s crisis.