Maduro rejects 'colonial peace' as US weighs military steps on Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro struck a defiant tone in the capital Caracas, telling a rally of supporters that the nation rejects what he termed a "slave's peace" or a "colonial peace." The public address, reported by Al Jazeera, occurred amidst heightened fears of potential US military action and escalating rhetoric from Washington. Maduro pledged "absolute loyalty" to Venezuelans, calling for a peace based on "sovereignty, equality and freedom."

US Deliberations and Cryptic Exchanges

The rally coincided with a meeting at the White House where US President Donald Trump convened national security officials to discuss "next steps" on Venezuela. This followed a phone call between Trump and Maduro on Sunday, the details of which Trump declined to characterize, saying only it did not go "well or badly." When questioned about his recent threat to shut down Venezuelan airspace, Trump advised reporters, "Don't read anything into it," leaving his intentions ambiguous.

Military Buildup and Asymmetric Strategies

In response to the US pressure, Venezuela has been deploying troops and showcasing military hardware, including air defense systems and fighter jets. However, sources within the country reportedly recognize their conventional forces cannot match the US military. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo, the Venezuelan strategy may instead focus on irregular warfare, including sabotage and the potential use of criminal groups or guerrillas to generate chaos and anarchy in the event of an invasion.

Regional Tensions and Public Anxiety

Reporting from the Colombia-Venezuela border, Bo noted that people crossing were "extremely concerned" about the possibility of a US strike. While some Venezuelans oppose Maduro's government, many also fear the country could be overtaken by violence. The situation remains volatile, with the US having expanded its military footprint across Latin America in recent months and conducting numerous anti-drug operations in the region.