Amid rising tensions, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has urged dialogue with the U.S. following a U.S. military strike that killed 11 people near Venezuela. Maduro condemned the strike, questioning the U.S. account of a drug-smuggling operation, and accused Washington of seeking regime change. He vowed to defend Venezuela's sovereignty and mobilized civilian militias, warning of armed struggle if attacked. The U.S. has deployed troops and naval assets to the region, citing drug cartel targeting, while Maduro views this as a threat of invasion.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.