Venezuelan President Maduro threatened to declare war if the US attacks. He claims eight US Navy ships with 1200 missiles pose a significant threat to Venezuela. The US deployment aims to combat drug cartels, but Maduro views it as a threat to his country's sovereignty. While the US denies plans for invasion, Maduro's government has deployed troops and urged citizens to join the militia. Venezuela's foreign minister called the US narrative a false threat to the region, citing UN data on cocaine trafficking routes. The political opposition, however, supports the US military presence.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.