Venezuela braces for U.S. strikes

Venezuela says it has deployed a range of weapons, including decades-old Russian-made equipment, and plans to mount guerrilla-style resistance in the event of an air or ground assault particularly from the U.S.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro led a civic-military march in Caracas on Tuesday (November 25), vowing to defend the country against any imperialist threat and calling for unity among civilians, politicians, and the armed forces. 

Maduro, holding the sword of liberator Simon Bolivar, addressed a crowd at the Fuerte Tiuna military academy, "the homeland demands our greatest effort and sacrifice, and with Bolivar I say: if the homeland calls, it shall have our lives if necessary." 

Maduro urged vigilance and sacrifice, invoking Bolivar's legacy and calling on the nation to defend "every inch of this blessed land."

The march comes amid ongoing political and economic tensions in Venezuela, facing U.S. military threats and increasing pressure.

"With responsibility and love, I tell our people: if Bolivar could build seven army corps to liberate all of South America and secure the independence of Central America and beyond, we must be able to defend every inch of this blessed land from any imperialist threat or aggression, wherever and whenever it comes. Stay alert, stay alert," he said. 

The event, attended by top government officials and military personnel, honored national symbols and reaffirmed Venezuela's resistance to external pressures, particularly from the United States. 

On Monday (24 November) the U.S. formally designated Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organisation and imposed additional terrorism-related sanctions on its members, including President Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials. Maduro denies any involvement.

The U.S. has for some time been conducting operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels off the Venezuelan coast and the Pacific coast of Latin America, killing dozens.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (25 November) that he is open to speaking with Maduro, signalling a possible diplomatic opening amid a growing military escalation between the two countries.

“If we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, that’s fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, that’s fine too,” Trump said.

Trump made the comments aboard Air Force One as he travelled to his private residence in Florida to spend Thanksgiving. His remarks point to the possibility of a direct conversation aimed at easing a standoff that has sharply heightened tensions in the Caribbean.

He added that their respective teams are already in contact with the goal of arranging a direct conversation between the two leaders.

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