Maduro urges unity as U.S. military presence grows in Caribbean

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called on citizens to stand united as the United States increases its military presence in the Caribbean, accusing Western media of waging a psychological war against his country.

Speaking on a national television programme, Maduro criticised Washington’s military activities in the region without directly naming the U.S., urging Venezuelans to focus on building and producing rather than succumbing to external pressure.

“I call on all Venezuelans: the best way to overcome psychological warfare is through work and creation. Western and ‘gringo’ media want to destroy Venezuela because they hate and envy it,” he said.

Maduro condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks labelling Colombian President Gustavo Petro a “drug leader”, praising Petro as a key figure in the fight against narcotics in Colombia.

The Venezuelan leader urged the United Nations not to stay silent over U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific, welcoming what he described as a “positive and fair” statement by Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. Maduro said Türk “put things in their proper place,” calling him the kind of UN official who defends international law, human rights, and the peace and stability of the Caribbean region.

He also thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for supporting Venezuela, saying Caracas and Moscow maintain regular communication on multiple projects, including 25 years of steady military cooperation that has seen officers trained in both countries—a partnership he described as calm, fruitful, and ongoing.

Maduro further criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of violating the Gaza ceasefire and condemning Israel’s actions in the Strip.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused Trinidad and Tobago of allowing a U.S. warship to deploy in its waters, calling the move a direct provocation. Cabello warned that Venezuela reserved the right to respond if its sovereignty was threatened.

Last week, Venezuela’s parliament declared Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar “persona non grata” following the U.S. warship’s deployment near Venezuelan waters.

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