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The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, called on the people of the United States to stop “the crazed hand of those who order bombings,” referring to what he sees as a military threat from the government of Donald Trump.
Maduro made these statements during a meeting with international jurists in Caracas, broadcasted by the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), after the announcement of the U.S. operation “Southern Spear” in the Caribbean Sea.
The president denounced the naval and air movements of the U.S. near Venezuelan coasts, which the American government claims are part of its fight against drug trafficking, reported the agency EFE.
“It is to the people of the United States that I address myself at this moment: stop the crazed hand of the one who orders bombings, killings, and waging war in South America and the Caribbean. Stop the war, not to war,” expressed Maduro before those present.
"Do we want another Gaza now in South America? What does the people of the United States say? Let me tell you, no. Here, peace will prevail," the chavista leader added.
Maduro's statements come a day after U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, announced the military operation "Southern Spear", supposedly aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Latin America.
In a message posted on the social network X, Hegseth explained that the operation will be led by a joint task force under the Southern Command of the United States, although he did not provide specific details.
Also on Friday, President Donald Trump stated that he has already made a decision regarding possible military actions against Venezuela, although he refused to provide details on the next steps.
Sources close to the Pentagon suggest that the operation would include a significant naval and air deployment near Venezuelan waters, in line with the strategy approved by Trump since last August.
Maduro, without directly mentioning the operation, stated that Venezuela defends its sovereignty and its right to peace, and announced that an action plan will be established together with international legal experts to present “claims and actions before international organizations” against U.S. measures.
In another event held at the Palacio de Miraflores, Maduro delivered a message to believers in the United States, asking them to “ring the bells of peace and not the drums of war.”
“Let us send our message from Venezuela to the Christians of the United States and our America, so that we may carry the banner of peace, harmony, forgiveness, and the great mercy of the Lord,” said the leader during a prayer event broadcast by VTV.
In the ceremony were present Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of the president and vice president of Religious Affairs of the PSUV, and representatives from various Christian churches.
The Venezuelan leader insisted that his country "does not seek confrontation", but rather aims to defend its independence against "imperial threats".
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