CARACAS, Venezuela: On September 1, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warned that he would "declare a republic in arms" if foreign forces attacked Venezuela. His comments came after the United States announced it was sending more naval forces to the Caribbean to fight drug cartels operating in Latin America.

At a news conference, Maduro called the U.S. deployment an "extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and bloody threat." While Washington has not suggested it will send troops onto Venezuelan soil, the buildup has raised tensions. In response, Venezuela has sent troops to its coastline and to the border with Colombia. The government also encourages civilians to join a militia in case of conflict. "We are on maximum alert and maximum preparedness for Venezuela's defense," Maduro said.

The U.S. Navy already has several powerful warships in the region, including three destroyers and a cruiser. According to U.S. officials, three large amphibious assault ships carrying more than 4,000 sailors and Marines are also expected to arrive soon. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump's push to use the military against cartels that he blames for bringing fentanyl and other illegal drugs into American cities.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil criticized the deployment, saying it was based on a "false narrative." He cited U.N. data showing that most cocaine leaves Colombia through the Pacific Ocean, while only a small amount passes through Venezuela. He warned other Latin American countries that U.S. actions threaten the whole region and could cause instability. Speaking at a regional meeting, Gil urged governments to demand an immediate end to the buildup, calling it a direct threat to Venezuela's sovereignty.

During the same press event, Maduro also insisted he was the rightful winner of last year's presidential election, despite widespread evidence of fraud. Many countries, including the U.S., do not recognize his presidency. Still, Maduro claimed his government maintains communication with Washington through both the U.S. State Department and Trump's special envoy, Richard Grenell. He lashed out at U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling him a "warlord" pushing for Venezuela's downfall.

Venezuela's opposition, led by María Corina Machado, has been asking the U.S. and other nations to increase pressure on Maduro to leave office. Machado recently welcomed the U.S. military presence, calling it "the right approach" against what she described as a "criminal enterprise" running the Venezuelan government.

Maduro, however, warned Trump directly that any attack on Venezuela would leave him "with blood on his hands." He argued that attempts at "regime change" have failed around the world and that the U.S. cannot impose its will on Venezuela.