According to Reuters and other media reports, Venezuelan Vice President Rodriguez said on the 29th local time that President Maduro had signed a decree that would take effect immediately if the US military “dared to launch an invasion.” The report said that this move marked a further escalation of tensions between the two countries.
The latest reports say the decree will allow Maduro to mobilize armed forces nationwide and give the military control over public services and the oil industry.
In a meeting with diplomats on the 29th, Rodriguez said the actions of the US government and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio against Venezuela “are a threat.” She stated that any US military action would be considered external aggression, and the “External Destabilization Order” would take effect immediately.
AFP added that Maduro said last week he would submit the decree for review. It is unclear when the agreement was signed. Under the Venezuelan constitution, these powers are valid for 90 days, with an option to renew them for another 90 days.
This move comes as the United States has deployed a fleet to the Caribbean, which Washington claims is aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. In response to US military threats and recent earthquakes, Venezuelan President Maduro announced on the 25th that a national civil defense exercise would be held on the 27th. Separately, US media reports indicate that the US government is preparing to crack down on alleged drug cartels in Venezuela in the coming weeks.
