Maduro decrees war powers for self as Trump pushes Venezuela politics to the edge

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said that his government is ready to declare a state of emergency in the country amid threats from the US over an imminent attack, as tensions rise over the deployment of American warships to the Caribbean.

Earlier this week, Maduro announced in a televised address that the “consultation process” had begun to declare “a state of external unrest, in accordance with the Constitution, and to protect our people, our peace, and our stability … should Venezuela be attacked by the US empire, militarily attacked.”

Ties between the US and Venezuela have dipped after President Donald Trump ordered his military to attack suspected “drug boats”, alleging that they were deployed by Venezuelan gang members.

However, Caracas believes that the US actions are aimed at changing the regime in Venezuela, as Washington blames Maduro for involvement in drug trafficking, doubling the bounty for his arrest.

Recent US strikes have targeted at least four vessels suspected of transporting drugs, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen alleged traffickers, according to President Donald Trump. However, he has not presented concrete evidence or intelligence to confirm that those targeted were involved in criminal activity.

Maduro signs decree

Yesterday, Maduro signed a decree granting him additional security powers in case of a military incursion into the country, the nation’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, said.

The decree would allow Maduro to mobilise armed forces throughout the country and give the military authority over public services and the oil industry.

The powers would be valid for 90 days, with the option to be renewed for 90 more, according to the nation’s constitution.

“What the US government, what warlord Marco Rubio is doing against Venezuela is a threat,” Rodriguez told diplomats in a meeting.

Trump lobbies aides to remove Maduro

According to a report by the New York Times, Trump is pushing his top aides to secure Maduro’s removal from the president’s chair. The campaign is being led by US Secretary Marco Rubio, who argues that Maduro is an “illegitimate” leader and is involved in overseeing the export of drugs to the US.

Rubio frequently references the Justice Department’s 2020 indictment of Maduro and other Venezuelan officials on drug trafficking charges. He recently referred to Maduro as a “fugitive from American justice” and the leader of “a terrorist organisation and organised crime organisation that has taken over a country.”

In July, Trump signed a still-classified order authorising the US military to use force against drug cartels his administration designated as terrorists. In response, the Pentagon began assembling a significant naval presence in the Caribbean.