In a message addressed to the leaders of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe gathered at the IV Celac-EU Summit, the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, warned about the increase in the military presence of the United States in the Caribbean Sea and its implications for regional sovereignty.
The president denounced that US operations, carried out under the argument of combating drug trafficking, have led to bombings against vessels and actions that he described as “executions” contrary to international law.
The content of the message was published by the chancellor, Yván Gil on his digital profiles.
Rejection of tutelage and defense of self-determination
Maduro affirmed that the deployment of US ships, planes and troops off the Venezuelan coast represents a direct threat to regional stability.
“In the face of a display of force of such magnitude, there is no room for half measures,” he said.
The president stressed that Venezuela “does not and will not accept any tutelage” and that the free self-determination of the people is “at stake.”
Context: military operations and accusations
Since August, the United States has stepped up its presence in the Caribbean with warships, a submarine and fighter jets.
According to Caracas, these maneuvers have included bombings against alleged drug boats, leaving dozens dead. At the same time, Washington has accused Maduro of leading an alleged drug trafficking cartel, without presenting evidence, and has doubled the reward for information leading to his arrest.
Former President Donald Trump himself admitted in October to having authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuelan territory.
International reactions and diplomatic support
Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, Vasili Nebenzia, called the US actions a “blatant campaign of political, military and psychological pressure” against a sovereign state.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the bombings on small boats, which have left more than 60 dead, while governments such as those of Colombia, Mexico and Brazil They have described them as “summary executions.”
Maduro’s message is framed in a context of growing geopolitical tension in the region, while the Celac-EU summit in Santa Marta seeks to reaffirm Latin America as a zone of peace.
