Tensions between Venezuela and the United States have reached a critical point after months of growing confrontation. Washington has intensified military pressure on the oil-producing nation, citing operations against drug trafficking—an allegation Caracas strongly rejects.
U.S. officials are believed to be considering possible military action against Venezuela, but President Nicolás Maduro has vowed not to bow to external pressure. He has repeatedly denied all U.S. accusations and pledged to defend the country’s sovereignty under any circumstances.
On Saturday (6 December), Venezuela deployed an additional 5,600 soldiers to strengthen its defensive capabilities. According to government figures cited by Arab News, the country currently has around 200,000 soldiers and another 200,000 police personnel.
During a ceremony at Fuerte Tiuna—the largest military complex in Caracas—senior military officer Colonel Gabriel Rendón accused the United States of using military pressure as part of a plan to overthrow Maduro and seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. “We will not accept attacks from imperialist forces under any circumstances,” he declared.
Arab News also reported that Washington has carried out more than 20 major operations against vessels in the Caribbean under the claim of combating drug trafficking. These strikes, conducted over the past several months, have reportedly killed at least 87 people. The U.S. has accused President Maduro himself of being linked to drug-trafficking networks, a charge Caracas dismisses as politically motivated.