Maduro vows to declare state of emergency if US launches military attack on Venezuela

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro says he is ready to declare a state of emergency if the United States attacks, amid escalating tensions over the deployment of American warships to the Caribbean.

In a televised address on Monday, Maduro said consultations were underway to activate what he called a “state of external unrest” in line with Venezuela’s constitution — a move aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty against what he described as a possible “military aggression by the US empire.”

The comments come after Washington deployed several warships to the region, claiming the operation targets drug trafficking networks. Caracas, however, insists the buildup is a veiled attempt to destabilize the Maduro government.

The United States has accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking, an allegation he denies. Recently, the US doubled the reward for his arrest to $50 million. President Donald Trump has also confirmed recent airstrikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats, though critics say no solid evidence has been provided that those killed were traffickers.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the proposed declaration would grant Maduro sweeping powers to defend the country in the event of an attack. She explained that it would authorize the president to mobilize the Bolivarian National Armed Forces nationwide, take control of key sectors such as oil and public services, and close all borders if necessary.

“The declaration seeks to protect the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and vital strategic interests of our republic against any serious external aggression,” Rodríguez said.

While Trump has denied that Washington is pursuing regime change, multiple reports suggest his administration is considering limited military strikes on alleged cartel operations inside Venezuela — a move analysts warn could spiral into a wider confrontation.

Maduro has responded by mobilizing the military and civilian militias, conducting nationwide drills, and displaying Russian-made fighter jets as a show of force. “We are preparing along three lines: the comprehensive defense of the nation, the active resistance of the people, and the permanent offensive of an entire country,” he said recently.

In recent weeks, hundreds of militia members marched alongside soldiers in Caracas, which Maduro hailed as “the unification of an empowered people.” Fishermen and local communities have also joined the mobilization, training for what they call the “defense of the homeland.”

Carlos Caravallo, a fisherman from Margarita Island, told CNN: “I don’t know how prepared they are for a missile, but what I can say is that people are organizing.”

As the war of words intensifies, Venezuela’s leadership insists the country stands ready to defend its sovereignty — while Washington maintains its campaign is focused solely on stopping drug trafficking in the region.