Nicolás Maduro has declared a military readiness to defend Venezuela against potential foreign interventions, collaborating with Cuba and Nicaragua. His statements come in response to calls for international action from former Colombian leaders. Amidst a legitimacy crisis following contested elections, Maduro’s regime has intensified repression of dissent and affirmed military loyalty, indicating a precarious political landscape in Venezuela.
On the inaugural day of his third presidential term, Nicolás Maduro declared that he is preparing for a military response alongside Cuba and Nicaragua in case of foreign intervention in Venezuela. His remarks were made at the conclusion of the World Festival of the Antifascist International, where he emphasized that the Bolivarian revolution would not shy away from armed conflict if necessary. This declaration was a direct rebuttal to former Colombian presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque, who publicly called for international military action to facilitate a transition to democracy in Venezuela.
The context of Maduro’s assertive stance is compounded by ongoing political tensions and a crisis of legitimacy regarding his reelection. Despite his claims to power, the Venezuelan opposition maintains that Edmundo González Urrutia won the election by a significant margin. To solidify control amidst these challenges, Maduro’s government has continued to showcase displays of military strength and has intensified the persecution of political opponents, with over 75 arrests being reported in early 2025. The regime’s recent legal measures further criminalize dissent, exemplified by the Simón Bolívar Law, which imposes severe penalties for actions viewed as a threat to national security.
Nicolás Maduro’s recent warnings reflect the heightened political tensions and concerns regarding external intervention in Venezuela. His administration has faced considerable scrutiny and opposition, particularly after allegations of electoral fraud during the last elections, which the opposition claims was marred by evidence of widespread irregularities favoring Maduro. This situation has led to calls for international military intervention from influential figures, which Maduro perceives as a direct threat to his government and sovereignty. In response, he has emphasized military preparedness and loyalty from the armed forces, demonstrating a commitment to confront any perceived adversarial actions.
Maduro’s alarming declarations underscore his administration’s readiness to engage in military conflict should foreign intervention arise, as he seeks to assert control amid growing opposition and calls for change. The government’s efforts to suppress dissent and bolster military support highlight the severity of the political crisis facing Venezuela. As the regime confronts both internal and external pressures, its strategies for maintaining power will likely remain aggressive and militarized.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
