Thousands Protest in Venezuela Against Washington’s Threats

Thousands of Venezuelans took part in a massive demonstration in the capital Caracas to protest the escalating military and political threats from the United States and to express support for President Nicolás Maduro.

1. Messages from Protesters and Venezuelan Leadership

• Protest against Military Presence: Demonstrators criticized the American military deployment in the Caribbean, describing it as a threat to their country.

• Interior Minister’s Message: Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello participated, affirming that the Venezuelan people are "growing more united day by day, and are persistently defending their will for a free life."

• Accusation of Imperialism: Cabello accused "imperial powers" of seeking to control Venezuela's natural resources, asserting that they will do everything possible to defend the country.

2. Background of US-Venezuelan Tensions

• Trump's Executive Order: Tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order last August to increase military use under the pretext of "combating drug gangs" in Latin America.

• Readiness for Intervention: Washington announced the deployment of warships and a submarine off the coast of Venezuela.

• Explicit Threat of Regime Change: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the military is ready for operations, including "regime change in Venezuela."

• Venezuelan Response: In response, Maduro announced the mobilization of 4.5 million personnel, asserting their readiness to repel any American attack.

• Controversy: US military attacks on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific (allegedly smuggling drugs) have sparked international controversy regarding "extrajudicial killings."