Venezuela Condemns U.S. Military Attacks and Declares State of External Commotion

On January 3, 2026, the Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela issued a formal statement alleging that the country was subjected to military attacks by the United States. These attacks reportedly targeted both civilian and military installations in the capital city of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The Venezuelan government has called upon all Latin American nations to unite against what it describes as U.S. aggression, proclaiming, “Independence or nothing. Fatherland, socialism or death. We will prevail!”

Key Details

The official statement from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects and condemns what it terms "extremely serious military aggression" by the U.S. government. The Venezuelan government claims that these actions violate the United Nations Charter, particularly Articles 1 and 2, which emphasize the respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of states, and the prohibition of the use of force. The Venezuelan government argues that such aggression poses a significant threat to international peace and stability, especially in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, endangering the lives of millions.

According to the Venezuelan regime, the primary objective of the U.S. military actions is to seize the country"s strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, thereby undermining Venezuela"s political independence. The statement emphasizes that the Venezuelan people and their legitimate government will steadfastly defend their sovereignty and their right to self-determination. The government asserts that attempts to impose a colonial war and force regime change in Venezuela will ultimately fail, just as previous efforts have.

Historically, the Venezuelan government references its long-standing resistance to foreign intervention, noting that since declaring independence in 1811, the nation has successfully repelled various imperial forces. The statement recalls a historical moment in 1902 when President Cipriano Castro condemned foreign bombardment of Venezuelan coasts, asserting that the presence of foreign powers violated the sacred soil of the nation. The current government invokes the spirit of historical figures such as Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda as it calls upon the Venezuelan people to defend their independence against perceived imperialist aggression.

In response to the attacks, the Bolivarian Government has urged all social and political forces within Venezuela to mobilize and condemn the U.S. actions. The statement highlights the unity between the Venezuelan populace and its armed forces, emphasizing a coordinated effort to guarantee sovereignty and peace. Additionally, the Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace is set to file formal complaints with the United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Non-Aligned Movement, seeking condemnation and accountability from the U.S. government.

President Nicolás Maduro has mandated the implementation of national defense strategies in accordance with the Constitution of Venezuela, the Organic Law on States of Exception, and the Organic Law on National Security. He has signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across the nation, aimed at safeguarding the rights of the population and ensuring the functionality of governmental institutions. This decree also calls for immediate preparations for armed resistance against the alleged imperialist aggression.

Furthermore, Maduro has ordered the deployment of the Command for the Integral Defense of the Nation and the Directional Bodies for Integral Defense throughout all states and municipalities in Venezuela.

As a historical reference, Maduro quoted former President Hugo Chávez Frías, stating, “in any circumstances of new difficulties, of whatever magnitude, the response of all patriots…is unity, struggle, battle, and victory.”

Background

The tensions between Venezuela and the United States have escalated in recent years, with multiple instances of military posturing and accusations of intervention. The Maduro government has frequently accused the U.S. of attempting to orchestrate regime change in Venezuela, citing various military and economic pressures as evidence of this ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments.

What"s Next

The Venezuelan government’s declaration of a State of External Commotion indicates a significant escalation in its response to U.S. military actions. The mobilization of national defense forces and the call for international condemnation suggest that Venezuela is preparing for a prolonged confrontation. The implications of these developments could affect regional stability and international relations