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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned on Thursday that his country could not be invaded, as the United States ramped up its military presence in the southern Caribbean.
"There is no way they can enter Venezuela," Maduro said, calling the U.S. deployment of multiple warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and 4,500 troops a siege that only strengthens his government. The move, part of President Donald Trump's intensified anti-drug cartel operations, has sparked the most serious U.S.-Venezuela confrontation in years.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department and Venezuela's Foreign Ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
The standoff signals Washington's growing willingness to project military force in Latin America, under the banner of countering drug cartels, while simultaneously putting pressure on the Maduro regime.
For Venezuela, the deployment reinforces Maduro's narrative of foreign aggression and allows him to rally domestic support amid mounting political and economic pressures. The escalation also tests regional diplomacy, particularly with Colombia, and challenges the U.N.'s capacity to mediate conflicts in the hemisphere.
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What To Know
Speaking at a military ceremony in Caracas, Maduro portrayed the U.S. naval presence as a hostile siege that violates the U.N. Charter. He thanked Colombian President Gustavo Petro for deploying 25,000 troops to support security along their shared border, framing the move as a joint effort to protect Venezuela and the wider border region.
Maduro said civil defense units would continue training weekly and vowed that no foreign power could touch Venezuela's "sacred lands." He also referenced the U.S. bounty on his head, noting that Washington recently doubled it to $50 million for his capture.
U.S. Naval Buildup
Earlier, Admiral Daryl Claude, the U.S. Navy's chief of naval operations, confirmed that U.S. warships were deployed to waters off South America, citing concerns that some Venezuelans were participating in large-scale drug operations, though Washington has made no public threat to invade.
Maduro has been under Trump's scrutiny since returning to the White House in January. U.S. efforts have targeted Venezuela's powerful gangs, while also accusing Maduro of leading the cocaine trafficking network Cartel de los Soles—designated a terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
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U.N. Protest
Meanwhile, Venezuela's ambassador to the U.N., Samuel Moncada, lodged a formal protest against the U.S. military buildup.
Moncada told reporters: "It's a massive propaganda operation to justify what the experts call kinetic action—meaning military intervention in a country which is a sovereign and independent country."
He also criticized the U.S. deployment of a nuclear-powered attack submarine, adding: "I mean, it's ridiculous to think that they're fighting drug trafficking with nuclear submarines."
Venezuela has countered U.S. threats by deploying warships and drones along its coastline and launching a campaign to recruit thousands of militia members to strengthen domestic defenses.
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What People Are Saying
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro: "There's no way they can enter Venezuela. Today, we are stronger than yesterday. Today, we are more prepared to defend peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity."
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi: "Department of Justice and State Department are announcing a historic $50-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro."
Venezuela's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Samuel Moncada: "It's a massive propaganda operation to justify what the experts call kinetic action±meaning military intervention in a country which is a sovereign and independent country and is no threat to anyone."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt: "Many Caribbean nations and many nations in the region have applauded the administration's counter drug operations and efforts."
What Happens Next
The standoff is expected to continue, with U.S. forces maintaining a strong presence in the southern Caribbean while Maduro strengthens Venezuela's defenses.
Diplomatic engagement through the U.N. and coordination with regional allies, particularly Colombia, may influence the next phase, although both sides appear determined to demonstrate strength without triggering open conflict.
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