Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro rallied supporters in Caracas this week, declaring unwavering resistance to U.S. pressure as President Donald Trump faces mounting domestic criticism over his administration's military posturing. "We do not want a slave's peace," Maduro told thousands at Monday's rally, framing Venezuela's stance against Washington's intensified naval operations and drug interdiction campaigns.
The Trump administration's months-long Caribbean military buildup and September 2 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels have drawn bipartisan congressional concern. Lawmakers are preparing to force a vote if the White House proceeds with operations inside Venezuelan territory, following revelations about disputed accounts of the September incident that left dozens dead.
Trump expanded his warnings Tuesday, telling reporters any nation producing U.S.-bound drugs could become a military target. His comments about potential land strikes in Venezuela and unverified claims about Colombian cocaine production heightened regional anxieties. This comes as U.S. Southern Command reportedly prepares for escalated operations following its Caribbean deployment.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, urged diplomatic solutions during a Vatican address: "It's better to look for ways of dialogue or possibly economic pressure." Meanwhile, Venezuela unexpectedly resumed U.S.-chartered repatriation flights despite Trump's airspace closure declaration, with over 13,000 migrants returning this year amid tightening immigration policies.
