Maduro Asserts Readiness for Armed Conflict Amid Calls for Intervention
In his recent statements, Nicolás Maduro asserted that Venezuela is preparing for armed conflict alongside Cuba and Nicaragua, in defiance of calls for international intervention by former Colombian presidents. Following his controversial re-election, Maduro’s regime has intensified military displays and political arrests in response to domestic and international pressures, signaling a commitment to counter perceived threats to sovereignty and stability.
On January 10, Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, made a fervent declaration indicating that he is collaborating with Cuba and Nicaragua to prepare for potential armed conflict in response to foreign interventions. This statement came during the World Festival of the Antifascist International, where Maduro expressed his commitment to defending the nation’s peace and sovereignty. He challenged former Colombian Presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque, who have called for international military intervention in Venezuela, insisting that he would stand firm against any threats.
Maduro’s controversial swearing-in for a third term, claimed without credible evidence of electoral victory over rival candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, has intensified scrutiny over the legitimacy of his administration. Concurrently, the Chavista regime appears increasingly defensive and has intensified its rhetoric against perceived enemies, announcing military displays of loyalty from the National Armed Forces.
The Venezuelan government has recently ramped up arrests of political dissidents amid this atmosphere of tension, with organizations such as Foro Penal reporting over 75 detentions in early January 2025 alone. These actions are attributed to the regime’s attempts to suppress opposition under the guise of national security, marked by the implementation of the contentious Simón Bolívar Law, which prescribes severe penalties for dissent.
Nicolás Maduro’s regime has faced significant opposition and allegations of electoral fraud since he first assumed power. The political landscape in Venezuela is marked by turmoil, with many citizens and leaders calling for democratic reforms amidst a backdrop of economic hardship. The involvement of neighboring countries, such as Colombia, in advocating for international intervention highlights the growing concerns over Maduro’s authoritarian tactics. This situation has escalated into a cycle of distrust, military posturing, and political repression, wherein the government commands loyalty from the armed forces to maintain its grip on power.
Maduro’s declarations mark a critical juncture in Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, reflecting his regime’s vulnerability amid increasing calls for international intervention. The preparations for potential armed conflict underscore the administration’s precarious stance and willingness to escalate tensions. Moreover, the systematic repression of dissent reveals a regime entrenched in political survival strategies at the expense of democratic principles. The unfolding situation warrants close scrutiny as it engages international attention and sparks debates surrounding sovereignty and intervention.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
