In a charged rally this Monday in Caracas, President Nicolas Maduro delivered a clear message of loyalty to his supporters, while U.S. President Donald Trump faces growing scrutiny in Washington over his pressure campaign on Venezuela.
"We do not want a slave's peace, nor the peace of colonies. Colony, never. Slaves, never," Maduro declared to thousands of supporters, rallying his base with defiant rhetoric. 🎤
This week, the U.S. military has ramped up its presence near Venezuelan waters, intensifying strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. Dozens of suspects have been killed, sparking bipartisan concern on Capitol Hill.
In response, U.S. lawmakers from both parties are pushing to force a congressional vote before any strike inside Venezuelan territory. Even members of Trump's party have launched investigations into the September 2 operation that killed survivors in a second strike—an incident some view as a potential breach of international law.
The White House insists the strikes complied with the law of armed conflict and were aimed at safeguarding U.S. interests. However, discrepancies in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's account of his role have surfaced, and top admirals are set to brief congressional committees for answers. 🤔
On Tuesday, President Trump expanded his warnings, suggesting that any country producing drugs bound for the U.S. could be a target—and that land strikes in Venezuela might be next. "Anybody doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack. Not just Venezuela," he stated, deepening regional anxieties.
Meanwhile, repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants have resumed after a brief halt, with Caracas approving a U.S. request to restart twice-weekly charters. More than 13,000 Venezuelans have returned this year amid tighter U.S. immigration measures. 🛬
As tensions escalate, millions are watching to see whether diplomacy or conflict will shape the weeks ahead.
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Maduro pledges loyalty to Venezuelans as Trump faces scrutiny at home
cgtn.com
