In a broadcast that aired early Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addressed the nation, condemning the recent U.S. military actions as an infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty. His remarks came amidst escalating tensions following a large-scale U.S. strike against his country.

Before U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture and extradition of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed charges against them, including conspiracy related to narco-terrorism. These developments marked a significant escalation in the strained relations between the two nations.

During his televised address, Maduro accused the United States of targeting both civilian and military sites across Caracas and the surrounding regions of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. He strongly criticized the actions as an attempt to undermine Venezuela’s independence and impose external control through violence, as reported by The Miami Herald.

Standing with military and government officials, Maduro declared, “This is an attack against the sovereignty of Venezuela. It is an attempt to impose a colonial war and force political change by violence.” His words aimed to rally national and international support against what he described as unwarranted aggression.

Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Maduro labeled the U.S. actions as a “grave military aggression” and a breach of the United Nations charter. He warned that such moves could destabilize peace throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the potential regional repercussions of the conflict.

The backdrop of these events is complex, with geopolitical tensions and allegations of drug-related crimes intertwining. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, aware of the broader implications for peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. has been carrying out a military campaign against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific in recent months. 

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addresses supporters during a rally marking the anniversary of the 19th-century Battle of Santa Ines in Caracas, Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2025.  (Pedro Rances Mattey/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Maduro’s government cast the U.S. strikes on Saturday as part of a larger American effort to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral reserves, according to The Miami Herald. 

The newspaper reported that state TV broadcast images of Venezuelan soldiers deploying to strategic infrastructure and officials holding emergency meetings. 

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addresses members of the armed forces, Bolivarian Militia, police and civilians during a rally against a possible escalation of U.S. actions toward the country at Fort Tiuna military base in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 25, 2025.  (Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters)

As part of Maduro’s response, he signed a decree that declared a nationwide state of “external disturbance,” which gives his government sweeping powers during emergencies, including mobilizing security forces and limiting certain civil liberties, The Miami Herald added.