The defense minister of the Venezuelan regime, Vladimir Padrino López, assured that Maduro's government responds with its "head held high" to the threat from the U.S.
The military chief of the regime, however, acknowledged the American deployment as a "threat," during an appearance this Saturday on state television.
Padrino described the U.S. as “one of the most genocidal empires in humanity” and admitted to its power from “every point of view: technological, economic, financial, military, always to do harm and to preserve its interests.”
“American imperialism seemed intent on threatening us even more with bombers, with missile ships, with nuclear-powered submarines in the Caribbean. And what did we do? We responded with greater national unity,” he said.
The military official stated that "no threat, no naval-air deployment, no matter how powerful or intimidating it may attempt to be" will take away their path of "freedom and independence."
"We strongly reject maneuvers, exercises, and deployments in our area of interest in Venezuela. Enough of the threats," he added.
The statements made this Saturday by the military chief come shortly after the Reuters agency revealed that the U.S. government is said to have decided to enter a new phase of operations with Venezuela in the coming days.
The news was communicated to Reuters by four officials from the Trump Administration. One of them stated that the options under consideration included attempts to overthrow Maduro.
The news agency, however, was unable to determine the exact timing or scope of the new operations, nor whether the U.S. President, Donald Trump, had made the final decision to take action.
However, two officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, cited by Reuters, stated that covert operations could be the next step against Maduro's regime.
The CIA and the White House did not comment on the matter.
Two U.S. officials stated that. The four officials quoted in this article spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the imminent U.S. action.
"President Trump is willing to use all the resources of American power to prevent drugs from continuing to flow into our country and to bring those responsible to justice," said one of the officials
Airlines cancel flights to Venezuela following U.S. warning.
This Saturday it was also announced that six international airlines temporarily suspended their operations in Venezuela following a security warning issued by the United States.
The Spanish airline Iberia, the Portuguese TAP, the Colombian Avianca, the Trinidadian Caribbean Airlines, the Brazilian GOL, and the Chilean LATAM suspended their flights to and from Venezuela this Saturday.
The decision came after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States alerted about an "increase in military activity" and a deterioration of security conditions in the airspace of the Caribbean nation.
The president of the Airlines Association of Venezuela (ALAV), Marisela de Loaiza, confirmed to EFE that the six airlines have chosen to cancel their operations due to the warning, which particularly affects the flight information region of Maiquetía, where international arrivals and departures are concentrated.
The Spanish newspaper El País also reported that the FAA has not prohibited flights over Venezuela, but has advised airlines to “exercise extreme caution” due to “a potentially risky situation” associated with the increase in military maneuvers within or around Venezuelan territory.
The notice, which will be in effect until February 19, also requires companies to notify 72 hours in advance if they plan to enter Venezuelan airspace.
The regional context adds greater concern. El País notes that the USS Gerald Ford, the largest and most modern aircraft carrier in the world, has recently joined Washington’s naval deployment in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Lance, a campaign that the United States presents as a fight against drug trafficking but has generated political tensions and speculation about possible actions against the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro dancing: "No one can stop me"
On Friday, the ruler Nicolas Maduro once again made a fool of himself dancing to the rhythm of a song that showcases his unique attempt at speaking English.
"No war, no crazy war, no, no, no, how do you say it in English? Peace, peace, yes peace," Maduro is heard repeating and singing along with the music on Friday during a celebration of Student Day in Caracas.
"It's Friday, and what happens on Fridays? What are we going to do today? Peaceful Venezuela, Friday night is declared a total party, party, party! It's Friday, and I'm heading out to party! And no one can stop me!" the student gathering was heard saying.
In the midst of tensions with the U.S., the Venezuelan dictator stated that the "U.S. threats" will not stop him.
"Stop the war, no to war, Venezuela wants peace," he added.
Filed under:
