Venezuela's political standoff with the United States has escalated dramatically, with President Nicolás Maduro reportedly taking extraordinary personal security measures amid fears of American military intervention.
According to reports, the Venezuelan leader is now sleeping in a different bed every night and frequently changing his mobile phones to avoid potential tracking by US intelligence agencies.
Military Buildup and Presidential Precautions
The heightened personal security protocol follows a significant escalation in rhetoric and military posture from Washington. Former US President Donald Trump has issued renewed threats, warning of potential strikes against accused drug traffickers across Latin America, explicitly linking such operations to Maduro's regime.
In response, Maduro has not only bolstered his personal detail with Cuban security personnel but has also brought in foreign counterintelligence officers. Visibly defiant, the president has been seen waving a sword while vowing to resist what he terms US 'imperialist aggression'.
Operation Southern Spear: A Substantial Deployment
The US has matched its strong words with a substantial military deployment. As part of 'Operation Southern Spear', the Pentagon has moved approximately 15,000 troops and over a dozen warships to the region.
This show of force has faced some domestic opposition but underscores the seriousness with which the Trump administration is treating the situation. The operation represents one of the largest US military mobilisations in the Western Hemisphere in recent years.
Preparations for Resistance and Legal Controversies
On the Venezuelan side, preparations are reportedly underway for a potential guerrilla-style resistance should a conventional military conflict erupt. The atmosphere is one of preparing for a protracted and asymmetrical defence.
The crisis has already seen controversial military action. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has addressed a contentious strike on an alleged drug-running vessel. Some international law experts have warned that such actions, depending on the circumstances, could potentially be investigated as war crimes.
The situation remains fluid and highly volatile, with Maduro's nocturnal movements symbolising a regime in constant fear of a sudden, decapitating strike, and a US naval armada positioned ominously offshore.
