Part 6/12:
In response to the US military escalation, the Maduro government has signaled its readiness for potential conflict. In Caracas, Mayor Carmen Melendez participated in a defense drill at a subway station, openly declaring herself a combatant and expressing preparedness for an invasion with the statement, “If it does, we’ll be ready.” These drills, ostensibly for cyberattack preparedness, come amid increased US military activity and diplomatic breakdowns.
Venezuela’s leadership has characterized the US military presence in the Caribbean as evidence of an impending invasion plan. This narrative helps justify the Maduro regime's own militarized stance, further heightening tensions.