The Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Madurocalled for vigilance amid rising tensions with the US and the assessment by the American president Donald Trumpof options for military action in the South American country.
No corner of Petare, in the eastern area Caracasregime supporters gathered to watch Maduro’s speech, in which he accused the US of waging a “criminal war” against Venezuela.
He stated that Venezuelans do not want to be “slaves of foreigners” who would destroy the national flag and that the majority are “prepared to defend this country with honor and love.”
In English, Maduro said that Venezuelans are in the streets crying for “peace”. “The strength of the country will always be that of the people and not that of the oligarchs or imperialists”, he declared.
Maduro condemned the recently announced American military exercises, which will begin in Trinidad e Tobago on Sunday, classifying them as “irresponsible”.
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will see if they continue to allow their waters and lands to be used to seriously threaten the peace of the Caribbean,” he said.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Maria Corina Machadocalled on Maduro supporters to join the movement against the regime.
“The cry of this land that demands freedom grows and echoes inside and outside the country. Thirty million of us rise up against a criminal regime that is falling,” said Machado, hiding in an undisclosed location.
In a voice message sent via the X app to members of the military and security forces, Machado argued that “absolutely no one needs a path to redemption” more than Maduro supporters.
“History, the law and the Venezuelan people will be your judges,” he said.
“Be a hero, not a criminal. Be a source of pride, not shame for your family. Be part of Venezuela’s bright future, not the ruin that tyranny has created as this day approaches.”
Machado, who went into hiding after a disputed election last year, hailed the US actions as a cut in support for the Maduro regime.
She also accused Maduro of turning Venezuela into “a real threat to the national security of the United States.”
