Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez has warned that President Nicolás Maduro is prepared to declare a state of emergency if the United States launches a military attack on the country. Speaking on Monday, Rodríguez, one of Maduro's closest allies, described the potential consequences as 'catastrophic'.
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Caracas in recent weeks, deploying a major naval force in the Caribbean Sea and conducting airstrikes on Venezuelan vessels, killing at least 17 people. Washington claims the operations target Latin American drug cartels smuggling cocaine and fentanyl, but many suspect they could precede a broader intervention to end Maduro's 12-year rule.
Rodríguez dismissed the US justification as 'a big lie', alleging the real motive is to seize Venezuela's natural resources, including the world's largest proven oil reserves. She attributed the 'warmongering' to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom she called 'the Lord of War'.
If activated, the state of emergency would grant Maduro special powers to mobilise the armed forces, seal borders, and place the military in charge of key infrastructure. Rodríguez vowed, 'We will never hand over our homeland – never!' and warned that Venezuelans publicly supporting an invasion would face consequences.
Analysts are divided on the likelihood of further escalation. While some see Trump's actions as political theatre, others point to reports that US military officials are drawing up options for drone strikes inside Venezuela. Phil Gunson of Crisis Group ruled out a full invasion but said other options remain on the table.
