Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday accused the United States of "manufacturing a war" after US President Donald Trump deployed an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean, escalating tensions in the region. The move, described by the Pentagon as part of a mission to counter drug trafficking, has been widely interpreted in Caracas as a show of force aimed at Venezuela. "They are fabricating a new, endless war," Maduro alleged in a televised address. This comes as Trump on Thursday (Oct 23) issued a blunt comment on US plans to strike drug smugglers in Venezuela, saying, "we're just gonna kill." Talking to reporters, Trump revealed that he was not planning to ask Congress for a declaration of war before ordering strikes on suspected drug smugglers in Venezuela.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-re-just-gonna-kill-them-trump-says-won-t-seek-congress-before-strikes-venezuela-urges-no-crazy-war-please-1761271095909">'We're just gonna kill them': Trump says won't seek Congress nod before striking Venezuela; Maduro pleads 'No crazy war, please!'</a><h2>Venezuela's president slams the Trump administration</h2>In his televised address, Maduro, slamming Washington, said that the US "promised they would never again get involved in a war," but that now the nation was "fabricating a war that we are going to prevent."The US military buildup began earlier this year, when President Donald Trump ordered a campaign against what he called "narco-terrorists" in Latin America. The operation, as per AFP, involves an aircraft carrier strike group, eight Navy ships, and several F-35 stealth fighter jets. US officials say the goal is to disrupt drug-smuggling routes. But strikes on at least ten vessels—described by Washington as smugglers’ boats—have already left more than 40 people dead, many of whom local governments and families insist were civilians, mostly fishermen.The deployment, however, is expanding. On Thursday, Washington announced joint naval exercises with Trinidad and Tobago, just off Venezuela’s coast. The USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, will dock in Port of Spain between October 26 and 30 while US Marines train with local forces.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-zelensky-meeting-reportedly-erupts-into-shouting-match-as-potus-reconnects-with-putin-1760927147107">Trump-Zelensky meeting reportedly erupts into 'shouting match' as POTUS reconnects with Putin</a><h2>We're just going to kill: Trump</h2>Previously, on Thursday, President Trump said that he was not seeking congressional approval for future strikes in the region. "I don’t think we’re gonna necessarily ask for a declaration of war," he said. "I think we’re just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. OK? We’re gonna to kill them. They’re going to be, like, dead." &nbsp;

Venezuela’s President Maduro accused the US of “manufacturing a war” after Trump sent an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean for anti-drug operations. Maduro's warning of escalation comes as Trump said he won’t seek Congress's approval before striking suspected smugglers.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday accused the United States of "manufacturing a war" after US President Donald Trump deployed an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean, escalating tensions in the region. The move, described by the Pentagon as part of a mission to counter drug trafficking, has been widely interpreted in Caracas as a show of force aimed at Venezuela. "They are fabricating a new, endless war," Maduro alleged in a televised address. This comes as Trump on Thursday (Oct 23) issued a blunt comment on US plans to strike drug smugglers in Venezuela, saying, "we're just gonna kill." Talking to reporters, Trump revealed that he was not planning to ask Congress for a declaration of war before ordering strikes on suspected drug smugglers in Venezuela. Also read | 'We're just gonna kill them': Trump says won't seek Congress nod before striking Venezuela; Maduro pleads 'No crazy war, please!' Venezuela's president slams the Trump administration In his televised address, Maduro, slamming Washington, said that the US "promised they would never again get involved in a war," but that now the nation was "fabricating a war that we are going to prevent." The US military buildup began earlier this year, when President Donald Trump ordered a campaign against what he called "narco-terrorists" in Latin America. The operation, as per AFP, involves an aircraft carrier strike group, eight Navy ships, and several F-35 stealth fighter jets. US officials say the goal is to disrupt drug-smuggling routes. But strikes on at least ten vessels—described by Washington as smugglers’ boats—have already left more than 40 people dead, many of whom local governments and families insist were civilians, mostly fishermen. The deployment, however, is expanding. On Thursday, Washington announced joint naval exercises with Trinidad and Tobago, just off Venezuela’s coast. The USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, will dock in Port of Spain between October 26 and 30 while US Marines train with local forces. Also read | Trump-Zelensky meeting reportedly erupts into 'shouting match' as POTUS reconnects with Putin We're just going to kill: Trump Previously, on Thursday, President Trump said that he was not seeking congressional approval for future strikes in the region. "I don’t think we’re gonna necessarily ask for a declaration of war," he said. "I think we’re just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. OK? We’re gonna to kill them. They’re going to be, like, dead."

Venezuela’s President Maduro accused the US of “manufacturing a war” after Trump sent an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean for anti-drug operations. Maduro's warning of escalation comes as Trump said he won’t seek Congress's approval before striking suspected smugglers.

'They are fabricating a war': Maduro slams US after 'peacemaker' Trump says 'we’re just gonna kill'

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday (Oct 12) lashed out at opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, labelling her a “demonic witch” just two days after she won the Nobel Peace Prize. Maduro, who has long accused the opposition of plotting with foreign powers to topple his government, claimed that “ninety per cent of the population" rejects Machado. However, he did not comment directly on her award. This comes just two days after the Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday (Oct 10) honoured Machado, 58, for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maria-corina-machado-nobel-prize-controversy-venezuela-1760178138493">How a failed coup became a credential of Nobel Prize for María Corina Machado</a><h2>"La Sayona"</h2>Speaking at an "Indigenous Resistance Day" event commemorating the discovery of the Americas, Maduro slammed Nobel Peace Prize winner Machado, saying, "Ninety per cent of the population rejects the demonic witch". While he did not take Machado's name, it was an apparent dig at the opposition leader. According to AFP, the Venezuelan government often refers to Machado as “la sayona,” a spirit from local folklore depicted as a pale-skinned woman with long black hair — a description often used to mock the opposition leader.“We want peace, and we will have peace, but peace with freedom, with sovereignty,” Maduro said at the event marking Venezuela’s version of Columbus Day.<h2>Why did he take a dig at Machado?</h2>Machado happens to be a vocal supporter of US-backed efforts to pressure Maduro’s government to transition away from autocratic rule and into democracy. She even dedicated her Nobel Prize to “the suffering people of Venezuela” and to US President Donald Trump, who was also nominated for the award.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-war-is-over-in-gaza-ahead-of-peace-summit-in-egypt-1760316244168">Trump declares 'war is over in Gaza' ahead of peace summit in Egypt</a>Speaking on Fox News a day after her win, Machado said Trump “deserves” the Peace Prize “because not only has he been involved in resolving eight wars in just a few months, but his actions have been decisive in bringing Venezuela to the threshold of freedom.” However, her support for Trump has gained her the nickname "La Sayona" and accusations from Maduro that she was risking Venezuela's sovereignty and calling for a foreign invasion.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado a “demonic witch,” days after she was honoured for promoting democracy. At a public event, Maduro mocked her while accusing her of siding with foreign powers. Read full story.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday (Oct 12) lashed out at opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, labelling her a “demonic witch” just two days after she won the Nobel Peace Prize. Maduro, who has long accused the opposition of plotting with foreign powers to topple his government, claimed that “ninety per cent of the population" rejects Machado. However, he did not comment directly on her award. This comes just two days after the Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday (Oct 10) honoured Machado, 58, for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” Also read | How a failed coup became a credential of Nobel Prize for María Corina Machado "La Sayona" Speaking at an "Indigenous Resistance Day" event commemorating the discovery of the Americas, Maduro slammed Nobel Peace Prize winner Machado, saying, "Ninety per cent of the population rejects the demonic witch". While he did not take Machado's name, it was an apparent dig at the opposition leader. According to AFP, the Venezuelan government often refers to Machado as “la sayona,” a spirit from local folklore depicted as a pale-skinned woman with long black hair — a description often used to mock the opposition leader. “We want peace, and we will have peace, but peace with freedom, with sovereignty,” Maduro said at the event marking Venezuela’s version of Columbus Day. Why did he take a dig at Machado? Machado happens to be a vocal supporter of US-backed efforts to pressure Maduro’s government to transition away from autocratic rule and into democracy. She even dedicated her Nobel Prize to “the suffering people of Venezuela” and to US President Donald Trump, who was also nominated for the award. Also read | Trump declares 'war is over in Gaza' ahead of peace summit in Egypt Speaking on Fox News a day after her win, Machado said Trump “deserves” the Peace Prize “because not only has he been involved in resolving eight wars in just a few months, but his actions have been decisive in bringing Venezuela to the threshold of freedom.” However, her support for Trump has gained her the nickname "La Sayona" and accusations from Maduro that she was risking Venezuela's sovereignty and calling for a foreign invasion.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado a “demonic witch,” days after she was honoured for promoting democracy. At a public event, Maduro mocked her while accusing her of siding with foreign powers. Read full story.

Maduro calls Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado a ‘demonic witch’. Here's why

The announcement came amid intense speculation that former US President Donald Trump might be in contention. This year, the prize attracted 338 nominations, comprising 244 individuals and 94 organisations. 

Who are the 5 Nobel Peace Prize judges behind María Corina Machado’s 2025 win over Trump?

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 2) announced that American forces had bombed a “drug-carrying” vessel in the southern Caribbean, after it departed from Venezuela, killing eleven on board. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the ship was run by a "designated narco-terrorist organisation" - the Tren de Aragua gang. This marked a major escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela after America stationed three warships off the Venezuelan coast last month. The US also increased the bounty on Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro to a whopping $50 million - more than what it offered for Osama Bin Laden. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Maduro has slammed the American attempts at alleged 'regime change' in Venezuela and said that he was ready to “declare a republic in arms” if attacked by US forces.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-50-million-reward-who-is-nicol-s-maduro-and-why-is-venezuelan-president-wanted-in-us-1754622441247">'$50 MILLION REWARD': Who is Nicolás Maduro and why is Venezuelan President wanted in US?</a><h2>What's happening?</h2>Donald Trump- the 'peace president' - as the White House calls him, has found a new enemy in its backyard, except that this one is not so new! The fight between the US and Venezuelan leader Maduro has been going on for years. Recently, the Trump administration has upped the ante against Maduro by increasing the bounty on him and calling him the 'biggest and most powerful drug trafficker.' It has even deployed at least eight Navy ships, including Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers—USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson—off the Venezuelan coast. Interestingly, the move came just days after the Maduro government and the Trump administration celebrated a prisoner exchange and the resumption of Venezuelan oil exports through Chevron. For Trump, Maduro is no new enemy, but the focus of his administration on him has definitely been a sudden one.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-whopping-50-million-for-nicolas-maduro-s-arrest-venezuela-hits-back-with-epstein-files-jibe-1754619045813">US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe</a>&nbsp;In his first term, the US president attempted to use “maximum pressure” on him via economic sanctions. He even recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president. The strategy failed amid an internal political crisis in Venezuela and Guaidó's own attempt to negotiate with Maduro. He was later charged with money laundering and treason, and an arrest warrant was issued against him. However, before the warrant, he had already fled the country. &nbsp;The White House said earlier that the current deployment is to intercept small, fast boats carrying cocaine - one such boat has already been targeted in a 'lethal strike.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, is the White House preparing a full-blown military strike? White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president was “prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice”. She added that Maduro is not a legitimate president but - "fugitive head of this drug cartel.” Will this escalate into an overnight war?&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-has-us-stationed-3-warships-off-venezuela-coast-nicolas-maduro-slams-regime-change-attempts-mentions-china-1756006152982">Why has US stationed 3 warships off Venezuela coast? Nicolas Maduro slams 'regime change attempts'</a><h2>How Maduro reacted?</h2>In a rare news conference in Caracas, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said that his country is facing the biggest threat seen in South America in a century but will not bow to it. He called Venezuelans 'warriors' who are ready for “maximum rebellion” against any incursion. Directly naming the US President, Maduro slammed Rubio and said that he wants to stain Donald Trump's hand with blood. In what may be said as striking the weak spot, Maduro invoked Trump's Nobel Peace Prize dream, warning that Rubio "wants the last name Trump to be stained with blood for centuries." “They are seeking a regime change through military threat,” Maduro told journalists.<h2>Why is Maduro wanted in the US?</h2>In 2016, two nephews of Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores - Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas - were convicted in a US court for conspiracy to import cocaine. To prove their closeness to Maduro, it was claimed that the duo used presidential airport terminal regularly. It was also alleged that some of the drug trafficking proceeds helped fund Maduro’s 2013 presidential campaign and possibly the 2015 parliamentary elections. After their arrest by the US Drug Enforcement Administration in 2015, Maduro condemned the operation as an "imperialist attack."Later, the US sanctioned Venezuelan minister Diosdado Cabello and former Vice President Tareck El Aissami, for involvement in drug trafficking, corruption, and links to terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force. In 2018, the US Treasury accused Maduro and Cabello of directing drug trafficking activities. In March 2020, the US Department of Justice charged Maduro and other Venezuelan and Colombian officials with “narco-terrorism,” alleging they orchestrated cocaine shipments to America to harm public health. Meanwhile, the nephew duo were released in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange.<h2>Deja Vu from Panama invasion</h2>The escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela reminds critics of the US invasion of Panama in 1989. Like this one, that operation was also aimed at ousting another Latin American ruler accused of drug trafficking - General Manuel Noriega. However, the Trump administration wants the world to believe that its action in Venezuela isn't an invasion. Juan Cruz, Trump’s top Latin America adviser in his first term and, the one who was involved in the Panama invasion, said, “There’s been a lot of predictable overreactions, some of it deliberately orchestrated,” he said. “I’ve been in a US invasion. This is not a US invasion.” Whatever the US intentions, Maduro is cautious. In his responses to the US, he has invoked China, clearly sending a message to Washington that he is not alone. He has touted people's support &nbsp;to the armed forces and the police and has already declared that Venezuelans are the ones who will defend their “beloved Venezuela.” &nbsp;

Tensions escalate as the US bombs a Venezuelan drug vessel and increases the bounty on President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million. Accused of narco-terrorism, Maduro warns of war and rejects US regime change attempts. Another war soon? 

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 2) announced that American forces had bombed a “drug-carrying” vessel in the southern Caribbean, after it departed from Venezuela, killing eleven on board. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the ship was run by a "designated narco-terrorist organisation" - the Tren de Aragua gang. This marked a major escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela after America stationed three warships off the Venezuelan coast last month. The US also increased the bounty on Venezuelan leader Nicholas Maduro to a whopping $50 million - more than what it offered for Osama Bin Laden. Meanwhile, Maduro has slammed the American attempts at alleged 'regime change' in Venezuela and said that he was ready to “declare a republic in arms” if attacked by US forces. Read More | '$50 MILLION REWARD': Who is Nicolás Maduro and why is Venezuelan President wanted in US? What's happening? Donald Trump- the 'peace president' - as the White House calls him, has found a new enemy in its backyard, except that this one is not so new! The fight between the US and Venezuelan leader Maduro has been going on for years. Recently, the Trump administration has upped the ante against Maduro by increasing the bounty on him and calling him the 'biggest and most powerful drug trafficker.' It has even deployed at least eight Navy ships, including Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers—USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson—off the Venezuelan coast. Interestingly, the move came just days after the Maduro government and the Trump administration celebrated a prisoner exchange and the resumption of Venezuelan oil exports through Chevron. For Trump, Maduro is no new enemy, but the focus of his administration on him has definitely been a sudden one. Read More | US offers whopping $50 million for Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Venezuela hits back with 'Epstein Files' jibe In his first term, the US president attempted to use “maximum pressure” on him via economic sanctions. He even recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president. The strategy failed amid an internal political crisis in Venezuela and Guaidó's own attempt to negotiate with Maduro. He was later charged with money laundering and treason, and an arrest warrant was issued against him. However, before the warrant, he had already fled the country. The White House said earlier that the current deployment is to intercept small, fast boats carrying cocaine - one such boat has already been targeted in a 'lethal strike. So, is the White House preparing a full-blown military strike? White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president was “prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice”. She added that Maduro is not a legitimate president but - "fugitive head of this drug cartel.” Will this escalate into an overnight war? Read More | Why has US stationed 3 warships off Venezuela coast? Nicolas Maduro slams 'regime change attempts' How Maduro reacted? In a rare news conference in Caracas, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said that his country is facing the biggest threat seen in South America in a century but will not bow to it. He called Venezuelans 'warriors' who are ready for “maximum rebellion” against any incursion. Directly naming the US President, Maduro slammed Rubio and said that he wants to stain Donald Trump's hand with blood. In what may be said as striking the weak spot, Maduro invoked Trump's Nobel Peace Prize dream, warning that Rubio "wants the last name Trump to be stained with blood for centuries." “They are seeking a regime change through military threat,” Maduro told journalists. Why is Maduro wanted in the US? In 2016, two nephews of Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores - Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas - were convicted in a US court for conspiracy to import cocaine. To prove their closeness to Maduro, it was claimed that the duo used presidential airport terminal regularly. It was also alleged that some of the drug trafficking proceeds helped fund Maduro’s 2013 presidential campaign and possibly the 2015 parliamentary elections. After their arrest by the US Drug Enforcement Administration in 2015, Maduro condemned the operation as an "imperialist attack." Later, the US sanctioned Venezuelan minister Diosdado Cabello and former Vice President Tareck El Aissami, for involvement in drug trafficking, corruption, and links to terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force. In 2018, the US Treasury accused Maduro and Cabello of directing drug trafficking activities. In March 2020, the US Department of Justice charged Maduro and other Venezuelan and Colombian officials with “narco-terrorism,” alleging they orchestrated cocaine shipments to America to harm public health. Meanwhile, the nephew duo were released in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange. Deja Vu from Panama invasion The escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela reminds critics of the US invasion of Panama in 1989. Like this one, that operation was also aimed at ousting another Latin American ruler accused of drug trafficking - General Manuel Noriega. However, the Trump administration wants the world to believe that its action in Venezuela isn't an invasion. Juan Cruz, Trump’s top Latin America adviser in his first term and, the one who was involved in the Panama invasion, said, “There’s been a lot of predictable overreactions, some of it deliberately orchestrated,” he said. “I’ve been in a US invasion. This is not a US invasion.” Whatever the US intentions, Maduro is cautious. In his responses to the US, he has invoked China, clearly sending a message to Washington that he is not alone. He has touted people's support to the armed forces and the police and has already declared that Venezuelans are the ones who will defend their “beloved Venezuela.”

Tensions escalate as the US bombs a Venezuelan drug vessel and increases the bounty on President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million. Accused of narco-terrorism, Maduro warns of war and rejects US regime change attempts. Another war soon?&nbsp;

US escalates tensions with Venezuela, bombs boat 'carrying drugs'; Maduro slams 'regime change' attempt - Another war soon?

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'They are fabricating a war': Maduro slams US after 'peacemaker' Trump says 'we’re just gonna kill'

Why Maduro called Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado ‘demonic witch’

Who are the 5 Nobel Peace Prize judges behind Machado’s 2025 win over Trump?

US escalates tensions with Venezuela, Maduro slams Trump - Another war soon?