Venezuela announced new security measures along its border with Colombia after President Donald Trump’s administration deployed U.S. warships to the southern Caribbean.
During his weekly television broadcast, President Nicolas Maduro confirmed he ordered 15,000 “well-armed and trained” troops to Zulia and Tachira states. He also criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning that U.S. actions could spiral into disaster.
“Unfortunately, this gentleman, with his madness and extremism, could push President Donald Trump toward the worst possible outcome in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Maduro said Monday evening. “We will emerge victorious from this situation.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello added that the Venezuelan forces would be supported by boats, aircraft, and drones.
Meanwhile, at least three U.S. warships with more than 4,000 sailors and Marines are expected to move closer to the region as part of operations targeting drug cartels. Reports suggest President Trump instructed the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action, a move that has unsettled leaders across Latin America.
Maduro said Venezuela is already coordinating with Colombia’s defense ministry on border security and expressed optimism about the talks.
Although he dismissed reports of U.S. deployments last week, the Venezuelan leader has continued to urge citizens to join local militias. On Monday, he claimed enlistment surged over the weekend, with state television now promoting the recruitment campaign under the slogan “always ready.”
