Maduro Moves to Expand Military Powers Amid US Tensions

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has moved to give himself expanded security powers that would allow him to mobilize the armed forces nationwide and give the military authority over public services and the oil industry; the measure was presented as a 90-day decree with possible renewal, but an AFP government source said it had been presented and was ready for signature and had not yet been formally signed. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez presented the move as a response to sharply heightened tensions after the United States deployed a naval task force to the southern Caribbean, which Washington says is aimed at combating drug trafficking. U.S. strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats in recent weeks have killed people and drawn legal scrutiny, and U.S. officials are reportedly drawing up options to target traffickers inside Venezuela. Maduro and his government accuse the U.S. and political figures such as Marco Rubio of plotting to oust him; Rodríguez warned any aggression would be met head-on. Maduro has privately sought to open talks with President Donald Trump even as Caracas raises its alert level, and Venezuelan forces have increased training and civilian militia preparations.