Venezuela's Maduro grants security powers against possible military intervention

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signed a decree granting him additional security powers in case of a military incursion into the country, the nation's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, said on Monday (29 September).

The decree would allow Maduro to mobilise armed forces throughout the country and give the military authority over public services and the oil industry.

Maduro last week said he would submit the decree for consideration. It was unclear when it was signed.

The powers would be valid for 90 days, with the option to be renewed for 90 more, according to the nation's constitution.

The measure comes as the U.S. has deployed a fleet of warships in the Caribbean, which Washington says is to combat drug trafficking through the region. Maduro's government alleges that the U.S. is plotting to remove him from power.

The U.S. military in recent weeks has struck several boats it claims were carrying illicit drugs from Venezuela, killing at least 17 people on board.

"What the U.S. government, what warlord Marco Rubio is doing against Venezuela is a threat," Rodriguez told diplomats in a meeting on Monday.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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