Venezuela Faces US Naval Buildup, Maduro Rejects Threats

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned escalating tensions with the United States, calling the current situation the most severe threat South America has faced in a century. This follows a substantial U.S. naval buildup in the Southern Caribbean, which Washington says targets Latin American drug cartels, aligning with President Donald Trump's focus on border security and reducing migration. Maduro and Venezuelan officials perceive the U.S. military presence as a direct threat and a pretext for potential intervention, asserting Venezuela's peaceful stance despite mounting pressure. Concurrently, the U.S. has increased its reward to $50 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest on drug trafficking allegations, a move Maduro denounces as political propaganda. Venezuela's National Assembly has symbolically supported Maduro, while domestic opposition and international actors continue to dispute the legitimacy of his 2024 re-election. Additionally, Venezuela reaffirmed its commitment to peace and its fight against fascism during the 80th anniversary of the Chinese victory over Japanese aggression, highlighting solidarity with China amid global geopolitical tensions.