Venezuela's Maduro Prepares State of Emergency Declaration Amid Rising U.S. Military Presence in Caribbean

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands prepared to declare a state of emergency in response to what his government perceives as threats of American "aggression," according to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez's Monday statement.

Rodriguez informed foreign diplomats that President Maduro has signed a decree granting himself "special powers" as head of state to respond to defense and security matters should the United States "dare to attack our homeland."

However, a government source disclosed to AFP that Maduro has not yet officially signed this document. Speaking anonymously, the source clarified, "The vice president presented the document to show that everything was ready and that the president can decree it at any time."

The left-wing authoritarian leader has placed Venezuela on high alert following a significant U.S. military deployment near Venezuelan waters. U.S. President Donald Trump has positioned eight warships and a nuclear-powered submarine in the southern Caribbean, ostensibly as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, though the move appears specifically designed to pressure Maduro's government.

In recent weeks, U.S. forces have destroyed at least three suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters, resulting in 14 fatalities—actions that UN experts have condemned as "extrajudicial execution."

According to reporting by NBC News citing four sources familiar with ongoing discussions, U.S. military officials are now developing options to target drug trafficking operations within Venezuela's borders.

A formal declaration of a state of emergency would authorize Maduro—whose 2018 reelection remains unrecognized by much of the international community—to temporarily suspend basic rights of Venezuelan citizens.

Rodriguez expressed confidence that Venezuelans would unite behind their president if the U.S. were to launch an attack. "Venezuela is united in the defense of our country," she stated, adding emphatically, "We will never surrender our homeland."