Maduro Guerra, a lawmaker with Venezuela’s ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV), relayed a message of solidarity from his father, saying Maduro had expressed gratitude and urged authorities to focus on supporting the families of those killed and injured in the operation. The newly established Committee to Assist Family Members of the Victims is intended to provide legal and practical support, bringing together military, civil justice bodies and victims’ organisations.

Addressing the families, Maduro Guerra vowed the state would pursue accountability and protection for those affected. Meanwhile, accusations and political tensions over the US military intervention, part of “Operation Absolute Resolve”, continue to reverberate across Venezuela and internationally, as interim authorities navigate the complex aftermath of Maduro’s capture and detention in the United States.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met US Chargé d’Affaires Laura Dogu at the Miraflores Presidential Palace on the afternoon of  Monday, February 2, in what Communications Minister Miguel Pérez Pirela described as part of a “working agenda” between Caracas and Washington. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez also attended. Dogu confirmed the meeting on social media, saying she reiterated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s proposed “three-phase plan” for Venezuela: “stabilisation, economic recovery and reconciliation, and transition.” Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday, January 31, pledging her team was “ready to work,” as US officials continue assessing conditions for reopening the US embassy. Foreign Minister Yván Gil said Venezuela seeks cooperation on “issues of bilateral interest,” and announced that Félix Plasencia will serve as Venezuela’s diplomatic representative in the United States and will travel to Washington soon.

US issues OFAC license delaying Citgo debt actions

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a new license on Monday, February 2, allowing holders of Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) bonds maturing in 2020 to conduct certain transactions beginning March 20, while keeping the Citgo auction blocked. The measure effectively delays creditors from invoking US courts to collect debts against Citgo Petroleum Corporation. The Venezuelan government has condemned the process authorising the auction as “fraudulent,” arguing the country was excluded from legal proceedings and denied the right to defend itself. Caracas has also warned that the “illegal sale” of its main foreign asset is in its “final phase,” and maintains the US judicial process violates international law.

Delcy Rodríguez proposes mass amnesty and justice reforms

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on Friday, January 30, a proposal for a broad amnesty law covering “the entire period of political violence from 1999 to the present.” Speaking at the Venezuelan supreme court before top officials, Rodríguez said the measure aims to “heal the wounds left by political confrontation, fuelled by violence and extremism,” while also launching a “major national consultation for a new judicial system.” She further announced plans to close El Helicoide prison in Caracas—long criticised by rights groups—and convert the facility into a sports, cultural, and commercial centre for police families and surrounding communities.

Brazilian labour leader warns US aims to dominate Venezuelan oil

A senior Brazilian labour leader accused Washington of targeting Venezuela’s energy sector to gain control over its oil resources, warning that US actions mirror strategies used to reshape Brazil’s own industry. Deyvid Bacelar, general coordinator of Brazil’s Unified Federation of Oil Workers (FUP), told Xinhua that US pressure “has nothing to do with defending democracy or combating drug trafficking,” but instead seeks “imperial domination and the appropriation of natural wealth.” He argued weakening PDVSA would open the door for US firms, and compared the situation to Brazil’s Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato), which he claimed facilitated foreign access to Petrobras-linked deep-water reserves.

Chinese refiners shift to Iranian crude as Venezuelan shipments stall

Chinese independent refiners are reportedly purchasing discounted Iranian heavy crude to replace Venezuelan shipments that have slowed sharply after the US claimed control of Venezuela’s oil sales last month. Sources said the drawdown of Iranian oil stored in China and on ships is helping cover the drop in Venezuelan supply. Venezuelan shipments to China reportedly fell significantly after mid-December following a US blockade on sanctioned vessels, amid a broader campaign that culminated in Nicolás Maduro’s capture by US forces on January 3. Washington has reportedly assigned trading firms Vitol and Trafigura to market Venezuelan crude, but China’s “teapot” refiners in Shandong have prioritised heavily discounted sanctioned grades over Venezuelan cargoes and other alternatives.

Rodríguez accused Machado of supporting foreign military action against Venezuela, saying it was unacceptable for a Venezuelan to express gratitude for the bombing that caused suffering to the population . She said the Venezuelan people reject any form of aggression that brings anguish to families, particularly to children and young people.

During her visit to the La Soublette sector, one of the areas impacted by the operation aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro, Rodríguez led an aid initiative to support around 5,500 families. The assistance included medical care, infrastructure repairs and veterinary services .

The Return to Homeland Plan was initially established by Venezuelan authorities as a mechanism to assist citizens abroad, particularly those facing legal or humanitarian challenges, to return and reintegrate. The programme has seen multiple flights in recent years, with thousands of Venezuelans voluntarily or involuntarily returned home as part of state-facilitated repatriation efforts. Venezuelan officials frame the plan as a dignified response to the hardships many nationals have endured overseas, while coordinating with foreign counterparts on deportation logistics.

Internationally, the resumption of these flights reflects broader trends in migration policy and bilateral negotiations. The U.S. has increased deportations of Venezuelan migrants amid shifts in immigration enforcement, while Venezuela’s acceptance of returnees operates within its own political and social strategy for addressing the Venezuelan diaspora. As these movements continue, the Return to Homeland Plan remains a focal point for debate over human rights , migration governance and the responsibilities of sending and receiving states.

Without naming countries directly, Cabello criticised nations such as the United States , where gun ownership is widespread and mass shootings frequently make international headlines. He said Venezuela’s model ensures that acts of violence cannot be carried out independently, apart from what he described as the recent US-led attack earlier this month.

In the decree announcing the mourning period, Díaz-Canel said the personnel were carrying out missions on behalf of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior, at the request of Venezuelan institutions. He stated that those killed died either in direct combat or as a result of bombardments on facilities, describing their actions as a reflection of Cuba’s longstanding policy of international solidarity.

Venezuelan authorities said the Cuban personnel were operating within the framework of cooperation between sovereign states, performing institutional protection and defence duties. Media reports indicate that the wider US attacks in the Venezuelan states of Miranda, La Guaira and Aragua have left at least 80 people dead, including both civilians and military personnel, further intensifying regional and international scrutiny of the operation.

The debate followed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores by US forces after strikes on Caracas and other areas, with Washington stating the operation was linked to narcoterrorism charges. Venezuelan authorities declared a national emergency, accusing the United States of attempting to seize strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals .

At the Security Council, the US rejected accusations of military aggression, describing the operation as a limited law enforcement action rather than an act of war. That explanation was challenged by several delegations, including Russia, China and Colombia . Russia’s UN ambassador said there was no justification for US actions in Venezuela, while China said it was “deeply shocked” by what it called bullying behaviour. The African A3 group also expressed serious concerns.

The operation has drawn condemnation beyond the UN chamber, with criticism from governments across Latin America, BRICS countries and other regions. European Union members and several European states called for respect for international law, though most avoided directly condemning the United States, highlighting divisions in the international response.

Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, 56, is a seasoned politician and lawyer who has been a central figure in Venezuelan politics for years, closely aligned with the socialist movement initiated by Hugo Chávez and continued under Maduro. She previously served in key roles including foreign minister, head of the Constituent Assembly and, since 2018, vice president during which time she also oversaw aspects of the country’s oil sector and economic policy.

Her sudden elevation to acting president places Rodríguez at the centre of a complex and contested political moment. While Venezuelan authorities brand the US operation that removed Maduro as an illegitimate “ military aggression,” Rodríguez has denounced the action and demanded evidence of Maduro’s wellbeing, asserting his continued legitimacy even as she steps into a leadership role.

International reactions to her appointment have been mixed. Some foreign governments and analysts view Rodríguez as a pragmatic choice who may be able to engage with external powers, particularly the United States , on economic and governance issues. Others question her legitimacy given her long association with the previous regime and the extraordinary circumstances of her rise to power.

The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected the US version of events, condemning what it describes as “military aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty, and demanding proof of life for Maduro and his wife. Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez said Caracas has lost contact with the president and criticised the operation as a blatant breach of international norms. Several Latin American governments, including Brazil ’s, have also condemned the US action as crossing an “unacceptable line,” urging respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

This dramatic development has drawn immediate comparisons to historical precedents such as the 1989 US invasion of Panama and the capture of General Manuel Noriega. But beyond historical echoes, the core question now gripping diplomats and international lawyers is whether such an operation can be justified under international law. Under the UN Charter, the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state is generally prohibited unless authorised by the United Nations Security Council or justified under narrow self-defence exceptions. Arresting a sitting head of state without consent could be interpreted as a violation of those principles.

Legal scholars point out that capturing a foreign president without a clear international mandate could amount to unlawful interference in the internal affairs of another state. The principle of sovereign equality means that no nation, regardless of military power, is entitled to act as a global judge and enforcer without agreed legal authority. In this context, critics argue that the US action could be characterised as a form of extrajudicial seizure rather than a lawful arrest under recognised international mechanisms.

Supporters of the action, including some regional political figures allied with Trump, have framed it as a necessary step against what they characterise as dictatorship and criminality in Venezuela . They argue that Maduro’s contested legitimacy and the serious criminal charges against him, including longstanding US indictments on narcotics and related offences, justify extraordinary measures. However, international criticism has stressed that such arguments do not override fundamental legal obligations under global treaties and customary international law.

The situation remains fluid, with Trump scheduled to address the operation in a press conference and scepticism persisting about the full details of what has taken place on the ground. Whether the US action will be accepted, rejected or contested in international forums such as the United Nations will have ramifications far beyond Venezuela, raising urgent questions about the limits of power, the rule of law and the future of state-to-state relations in the 21st century.

At the same time, Maduro extended a message to the US public, portraying Venezuela as a “friendly government” and a “brotherly people,” while calling for a renewed diplomatic dialogue between the two nations. He also defended Venezuela’s record on drug control and offered cooperation on anti-trafficking initiatives, highlighting readiness to negotiate concrete agreements if the United States engages seriously.

Trump said Colombia remained a major source of cocaine entering the United States and described Petro as hostile to US interests, issuing a blunt warning as tensions between the two governments continued to rise.

Petro had earlier argued that the United States had historically “invaded” and taken territory that should belong to Latin America . He also defended Colombia’s role in the war on drugs and warned Trump against damaging nearly two centuries of diplomatic relations, cautioning him not to “awaken the jaguar”.

The exchange comes amid broader regional friction linked to US sanctions on Venezuela, drug trafficking policy, and shifting diplomatic dynamics between Washington and Latin American governments.

Maduro said US measures reflected an attempt to exert control beyond its borders, warning that such an approach undermines international relations. He added that focusing on external intervention, rather than domestic economic and social challenges, would amount to poor leadership.

The Venezuelan leader also referenced plans in Congress to advance legislation aimed at protecting the country’s vessels and safeguarding oil trade. According to Maduro, the proposed law would reinforce international agreements that prohibit piracy, attacks on commercial shipping and other crimes affecting global trade.

His comments follow an announcement by President Trump that the United States would impose a blockade on what it calls “sanctioned oil tankers” entering or leaving Venezuela. Washington has accused the Maduro government of using oil revenues to finance drug trafficking , terrorism and human trafficking, allegations that Caracas has repeatedly rejected.

Speaking to regional leaders, Milei argued that what he described as an authoritarian regime in Caracas could no longer be treated with caution or neutrality. He urged Mercosur members to take a firmer stance, calling for collective condemnation and alignment against what he framed as a regional danger that, if left unchecked, could affect the entire continent.

The Argentine president also welcomed pressure exerted by the United States under President Donald Trump , whom he credited with efforts aimed at increasing international pressure on Venezuela. Milei encouraged fellow Mercosur countries to support Washington’s position, saying the time had passed for what he described as timid or ambiguous responses to the situation.

His remarks came as the Trump administration announced new sanctions targeting family members of the Venezuelan president, escalating economic and diplomatic pressure on Caracas. The United States has also expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, citing operations against drug trafficking networks, while warning of further action. The Venezuelan government has rejected the accusations, denying links to narcotics trafficking and accusing Washington of pursuing regime change.

Participants said the congress aimed to reaffirm commitments to peace and to the sovereignty of Latin American nations. The event was framed by organisers as part of a broader international discussion on external pressure, geopolitical influence and the role of labour movements in defending national self-determination.

Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yvan Gil Pinto, used the gathering to draw attention to the scale of the US military presence in the Caribbean, which he described as the largest the region has seen. He accused Washington of pursuing policies rooted in colonialism and imperialism, arguing that military operations were driven by competition over strategic resources rather than by efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Similar concerns were raised by Said Gafurov, a professor at Moscow University, who placed Venezuela’s situation within a wider global context. “The Global North is trying to increase its control over all natural resources in the world,” he said, arguing that this dynamic extends beyond Venezuela to include Russia, the Middle East and other resource-rich regions.

Relations between Caracas and Washington deteriorated further after US President Donald Trump stated on social media that the military campaign in the Caribbean would continue until Venezuela returned assets he claimed had been taken from the United States. Following the comments, President Nicolás Maduro held a phone call with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to raise concerns over what the Venezuelan government describes as growing threats to the country and its population.

Ortega highlighted the continued relevance of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), arguing that the bloc has endured despite sustained political and economic pressure from the United States. He said the alliance remains active and resilient in the face of sanctions, threats and external pressure.

A central part of his address focused on US military activity in the Caribbean Sea, particularly operations near Venezuela that Washington has described as efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime. Ortega rejected that justification, portraying the deployments as part of a broader strategy of military encirclement and regional isolation, with Venezuela as a focal point.

He also criticised what he described as US interference in domestic political processes in Latin America , citing Honduras as an example, and warned of consequences for governments that do not align with Washington. Ortega concluded by saying that opposition to US measures is growing across the region and predicted a collective response aimed at defending peace and national sovereignty. “There is rejection of all the measures that the United States government has been taking… And the people will react, and the North American people will react, and peace will have to be established in the world,” he said.

Rodríguez said the presence of US forces in the Caribbean amounts to “ military aggression” and warned that the deployment should be viewed as a regional issue rather than a bilateral dispute. According to her statement, the threat extends to all Latin American and Caribbean nations, which she urged to adopt a common stance.

Addressing the governments of Colombia, Mexico and Brazil directly, Rodríguez called for political coordination in the face of US security policy. She said Venezuela has been prepared “for more than two centuries” to defend regional sovereignty and appealed to leaders Gustavo Petro, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Claudia Sheinbaum to strengthen unity.

The Vice President additionally criticised opposition figure María Corina Machado’s recent Nobel Peace Prize, calling it a “blood-stained award.” Tensions between Caracas and Washington have intensified since August, when the Trump government began deploying military forces to the Caribbean, allegedly to combat drug trafficking —an accusation Venezuela rejects as a pretext for “imperialism” and attempted “regime change.”

The president argued that Colombia has shed “blood and blood” fighting drug trafficking for more than half a century, insisting that the issue cannot be addressed through force but through dialogue. He sharply criticised Trump’s remarks, accusing the United States of shifting blame while consuming the very narcotics Colombia has battled to curb. “Then the thanks are an insult,” Petro declared, adding that those who escalate threats risk awakening “the American jaguar that is asleep in the heart of the people.”

Trump’s comments earlier in the week, warning that any country producing or trafficking drugs into the US could be “subject to attacks”, raised concerns in Bogotá, particularly after he hinted Colombia could be added to the list of potential targets alongside Venezuela . His statement came as he renewed calls for ground operations against drug networks operating in Venezuelan territory.

The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with the US maintaining naval deployments in the Caribbean, including the USS Gerald Ford, as Venezuela mobilises its armed forces and millions of militia members. Petro’s intervention adds a new layer of regional friction as disputes over sovereignty, security and counternarcotics strategy intensify.

Supporters argue that the measure could strengthen efforts against narcotrafficking routes that cut through the Caribbean and increasingly impact local communities. But others see the decision as part of a long pattern of U.S. strategic interests in the region. “I think it is more about United States interests than about helping our country,” said resident Ricardo Jimenez to Viory, adding later: “I would not really support the President’s decision because it goes against our rights, it goes against our Constitution, which is always to have everything under government control.”

Concerns over foreign influence were echoed by other residents who questioned Washington’s intentions in a region where geopolitical tensions intersect with domestic security needs. “If there are other objectives, I really do not know. But you know that the United States always has an ace up its sleeve,” said Virginia Ramirez.

The government insists the authorisation is strictly temporary and limited to refuelling, transport and technical support, stressing that no foreign military operations will take place on Dominican soil. Still, the decision has sparked a broader national discussion, one that reflects the Dominican Republic’s longstanding tension between reliance on international security partnerships and the desire to safeguard its sovereignty in a region where external powers have long shaped the rules of engagement.

Emphasising the personal dimension of the bilateral relationship, Maduro displayed his Huawei smartphone, which he said was a direct gift from the Chinese leader. He praised the device’s performance and highlighted what he described as its secure, “un-interceptable” features, presenting it as an example of China’s technological engagement with Venezuela.

Maduro also framed China’s support within what he called a broader “growing movement of international solidarity” towards Venezuela as it faces ongoing political and diplomatic confrontation with the United States .

While addressing China, Maduro also noted the country’s continued cooperation with Russia , referencing his May meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He said the Venezuela–Russia High-Level Intergovernmental Commission is pursuing new agreements in areas including oil, finance, defence, education, and technology, signalling continued efforts by Caracas to deepen ties with major global allies beyond the West.

This step signals a new phase because the FTO designation grants Washington stronger legal tools than previous sanctions allowed. Under this classification, individuals or entities that provide support to the group can face criminal prosecution, and U.S. agencies gain wider authority to freeze assets and pursue actions against those linked to the network. The shift from a financial sanctioning regime to an anti-terrorism framework elevates the confrontation from political disagreement to a security-based dispute.

Venezuela’s response underscores the escalation. Caracas dismissed the designation as a “ridiculous fabrication” and insisted that the Cartel de los Soles does not exist, framing the move as an attempt to justify an “illegitimate and illegal intervention.” The sharp rejection reflects how the new label challenges the legitimacy of senior Venezuelan officials by identifying them, according to Washington, as part of a structure tied to drug trafficking and to other groups already designated as terrorist organisations.

The timing has also fuelled perceptions of a shift. The measure comes at a moment when the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and the southern Atlantic, a context noted by observers who see the combination of the FTO designation and regional deployments as part of a more assertive posture. While the label itself does not authorise military action, it expands the legal and political space for the U.S. to act more forcefully, if it chooses to do so.

Taken together, these elements explain why the terrorist designation represents a new phase: Washington has redefined its dispute with Venezuela from a diplomatic and economic confrontation to one framed around national and regional security with broader consequences and higher stakes for both governments.

Maduro’s appeal for calm comes at a moment of heightened friction with the United States , whose increased military presence in the Caribbean has fuelled concern in Caracas. Washington argues the build-up is part of its regional counternarcotics strategy, while Venezuelan officials insist the manoeuvres amount to foreign pressure aimed at destabilising the government.

During the rally, Maduro criticised what he described as mounting external threats, warning supporters that the country must remain vigilant. He framed the presence of foreign warships near Venezuelan waters as part of a wider attempt to intimidate the nation, while reaffirming that Caracas does not seek confrontation and continues to call for regional stability.

He also directed criticism at neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, accusing the government of staging military drills close to Venezuelan territory. “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has once again announced irresponsible exercises, sending its vessels off the coast of the State of Sucre for military exercises that are intended to be threatening to a republic like Venezuela, which is not intimidated by anyone,” Maduro said, presenting the operations as part of a pattern of external pressure.

Meanwhile, US military actions in the Caribbean have intensified. US Southern Command reported its 20th strike on a vessel allegedly involved in narcotics transport this week, bringing the reported death toll from operations since September to 80. Regional concerns have grown following incidents in which civilian casualties were reported, including an attack in October where searches for survivors were later suspended by Mexican authorities.

Since the Pentagon deployed warships and aircraft in operations it claims are targeting drug trafficking networks near Venezuela, the bolívar has lost around 70 per cent of its value against the US dollar, according to central bank data. The gap between the official and black-market exchange rates has widened sharply, while authorities continue to prohibit publication of unofficial rates. The collapse of the currency has pushed up the cost of essentials such as maize flour and fuel, worsening living conditions for millions.

Maduro, who has governed for over a decade, accuses Washington of attempting to overthrow him through sanctions and economic pressure. The government has responded by cracking down on the parallel currency market, detaining dozens accused of “exchange manipulation”. Yet, inflation has continued to soar. The International Monetary Fund now estimates Venezuela’s annual rate at around 270 per cent — the highest in the world — and warns it could exceed 600 per cent by 2026.

The crisis has been compounded by falling oil revenues, tighter US sanctions , and the recent decision to limit Chevron’s ability to pay Venezuela in cash. In response, Caracas has turned increasingly to cryptocurrency transactions in a bid to secure foreign income. For ordinary Venezuelans, however, the reality remains bleak: a collapsing currency, dwindling purchasing power, and an uncertain future under the shadow of both economic and geopolitical strain.

“Liar Trump and your lying friends, liar Mr Rubio. Those you are killing are not drug traffickers,” Petro declared, referring to US operations in the region. He claimed that the real drug traffickers had long moved into political and financial circles. “The drug traffickers have gone, through their politicians, to the offices in Miami to speak with Mr Rubio’s senators, to ask that they bomb here as well, to ask that they also remove the president of the Republic elected by popular vote, to try to humiliate us,” he said.

According to the Colombian government, Petro also recalled the death of a fisherman killed in a US military strike in the Caribbean last year, rejecting claims that the victim was involved in illegal activities. “No one can say that this fisherman, a poor father of a girl, was a drug trafficker. I oppose that,” he added, denouncing what he described as the human cost of foreign intervention.

The president further linked Washington’s regional actions to wider global power imbalances, warning that “what we are seeing in Gaza will happen in the South, in the continents of working and poor people, in those of us who do not hold world power.” He has been one of the most vocal leaders in Latin America to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza, having suspended coal exports to the country for humanitarian and moral reasons.

Cabello went on to describe the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as “the biggest drug cartel in the world ”, and dismissed accusations about the so-called Cartel de los Soles — which Washington alleges is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and senior military officials — as an “imperialist narrative” aimed at justifying US interference in the region.

Last August, the United States government offered a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to the arrest of President Maduro, a move Caracas has repeatedly condemned as an act of aggression.

Cabello’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States, as Washington expands its operations in the Caribbean Sea under the pretext of countering drug trafficking and transnational crime .

The proposed measure would have required explicit congressional approval before the use of US armed forces “within or against Venezuela”. Supporters of the resolution argued it was vital to reassert Congress’s constitutional role in decisions of war and peace. Opponents, however, claimed such restrictions could limit the president’s ability to act swiftly in response to emerging security threats.

The Trump administration has defended its position, citing legal guidance from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel to justify potential strikes. Earlier this week, Trump denied reports of imminent military action in Venezuela, though his comments left ambiguity over whether such operations remain under consideration.

In Caracas, officials have condemned recent US strikes on alleged “narco-boats” in international waters, accusing Washington of imperialism and of using anti-drug operations as a pretext for regime change. The Senate’s narrow vote underscores the ongoing division within the United States over the limits of presidential war powers — and the broader global implications of Washington’s military reach.

Maduro, who has been the Venezuelan president since 2013, is locked in a conflict with Trump stemming from Washington’s growing presence in the Caribbean . 

A number of Venezuelan boats, accused by Trump of carrying drugs, have been sunk in the Caribbean in the past months.

Trump had even threatened a land attack to foil “a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela.”

Despite the US-Venezuelan tension getting fatal, Maduro insisted there was nothing to fear. 

"What are they afraid of, if it's not me? It's people standing tall in battle, Bolivarian Chavistas, masters of their own destiny, who will never be humiliated and who will defeat imperialism in any of the threats they attempt against our beloved homeland," he said.

Venezuela responded to US provocations by activating a defence plan on its coasts, which involves 27 territorial operations that would be employed in the event of a direct attack from Washington. 

Experts say the unfolding situation reflects a deeper alignment between Moscow and Caracas, particularly as Venezuela faces growing diplomatic and military tension with Washington. Analysts observe that while Venezuela’s request is likely to be framed as defensive, it may deepen Caracas’s dependence on Moscow at a time when Russia is itself facing significant global constraints.

The Russian acknowledgement of contact comes at a time when Venezuela’s government has been under heavy international scrutiny and U.S. focus. For Russia, maintaining ties with Caracas offers geopolitical benefits, including influence in Latin America and access to resources and networks beyond Western oversight.

As the situation develops, the world will be watching how Venezuela’s strategy evolves — whether it remains a diplomatic show of solidarity or translates into tangible military cooperation between Russia, Venezuela and other allied states.

Maduro said Trinidad and Tobago had “exhausted all its gas reserves and run out of gas,” noting that Venezuela had maintained the energy pact as a “Bolivarian gesture of brotherhood and solidarity.” However, he accused Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of turning her country into “the aircraft carrier of the US empire” against Venezuela and South America.

“In light of the Prime Minister’s threat to turn Trinidad and Tobago into the aircraft carrier of the US empire against Venezuela, there is only one alternative,” Maduro declared. “I have approved the precautionary measure of the immediate suspension of all effects of the energy agreement and all that was agreed upon in this matter.”

The Venezuelan president further alleged that the military exercises taking place in Trinidad and Tobago from October 26 to 30 aimed to generate an armed conflict under the direct financing and control of the Pentagon. “The government of Trinidad and Tobago has already been given the evidence. We give no evidence to the government of the United States because they, along with the CIA, are behind all these things,” he said.

Maduro’s decision marks another escalation in tensions between Venezuela, Washington, and its Caribbean neighbours, amid continuing US sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The gas agreement between Caracas and Port of Spain had been seen as a rare instance of regional cooperation in recent years, aimed at easing energy shortages across the Caribbean.

Maduro described the deployment as immediate and comprehensive. “At 00:00 at night, I called those I had to call and gave them an order. Activate all forces, all military teams immediately for the defence of action points along the entire Venezuelan coast, from Zulia to Sucre state,” he told attendees at a ceremony in Caracas. He said military units, militia, police and specialised anti-air and coastal defence teams were positioned at 73 central points nationwide.

During the swearing-in of the Promoting Commission for the Venezuelan Workers’ Constituent Assembly, Maduro highlighted what he described as a moment of unprecedented patriotic unity across the country. He reaffirmed that Venezuela possesses the necessary military capability to defend its sovereignty, crediting international partners such as Russia and China for their support. The president also addressed recent restrictions on his online communications, criticising what he views as efforts to limit his digital reach.

The announcement comes amid heightened rhetoric between Caracas and Washington. US President Donald Trump has reportedly warned that “land is going to be next” as disputes over alleged drug-trafficking and recent strikes on so-called “narco-boats” intensify. Maduro’s large-scale coastal drill and public accusations reflect a region on edge, where military posturing and political claims risk escalating diplomatic tensions unless channelled back into dialogue.

“Any military force in the world knows the power of the IGLA-S,” Maduro said. “Venezuela has no more and no less than 5,000 IGLA-S in key anti-aircraft defence positions to guarantee peace, stability, and the tranquillity of our people.”

Maduro’s remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to launch operations against drug traffickers operating on land, a move that has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The IGLA-S, similar to the U.S.-made Stinger missile, is a short-range, man-portable air defence system designed to target drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. According to Russia ’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, the weapon has a range of up to six kilometres and can reach altitudes of 3.5 kilometres.

Venezuela first acquired the IGLA-S systems between 2005 and 2008 as part of a major arms deal with Russia under former President Hugo Chávez, aimed at modernising the country’s military. The stockpile remains one of the largest collections of such weapons in Latin America.