Maduro rejected the US administration's assurances that US armed forces would be part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed against drug smugglers and announced by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
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What threats did Maduro mention regarding the deployment of US armed forces?
What did Maduro appeal to the American people?
What peace intentions did Maduro present?
What military operation did Donald Trump announce?
Emotional appeal from the Venezuelan leader to the US. Thunders about the “crazy hand”
“I appeal to the people of the United States to stop the mad hand of him who orders bombing, killing and waging war against South America and the Caribbean. Stop this war!” — Maduro appealed during a gathering of Venezuelan lawyers organized on Friday in the country's capital, Caracas.
Its course was broadcast throughout Venezuela by all local media. Maduro's emotional appeal was warmly received by the public. The audience stood up and applauded.
Maduro asked Americans to “play an important role at this special moment and try to prevent events that could become a tragedy for all of America.”
“Do we want a new Gaza, this time in South America?! What do the people of the United States say to that?! Let me tell you that this must not be allowed to happen. May peace triumph here!” – shouted Maduro.
Donald Trump's pressure and Operation Southern Spear
Operation Southern Spear was announced by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a time when President Donald Trump is increasingly attacking the Maduro government, accusing it of co-responsibility for drug smuggling into the United States.
In his speech, Maduro assured of Venezuela's peaceful intentions, which “only defends its sovereignty” and “expects international action to defend the right to peace of Venezuela and all of South America.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had already made a decision regarding “possible military operations in Venezuela, but he cannot reveal it for now.”
“I have already made up my mind. I cannot tell you what it will be. We have made great progress in stopping the massive flow of drugs,” assured the President of the United States.
The Washington Post previously reported “exclusive” information from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chief of General Staff Dan Caine on “the existence of various options for military action in Venezuela.”
