Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday accused the U.S. of attempting to instigate a regime change in his nation due to a naval buildup in the Caribbean.

This military movement was sanctioned by President Donald Trump as part of a strategy to combat drug cartel operations, aligning with his broader border policies. Nonetheless, Maduro viewed this as an intrusion into Venezuela’s internal matters.

“They are aiming for a regime change through military intimidation,” Maduro expressed to journalists, government officials, and military personnel in Caracas, reflecting remarks made by his UN representative the prior week.

“These cartels have historically executed violence and terror not only in our hemisphere but globally, destabilizing the economies and security of nations while inundating the U.S. with dangerous drugs, violent criminals, and ruthless gangs,” stated Sean Parnell, Chief Pentagon spokesman, in an August 19 press briefing.

“This necessitates a comprehensive governmental approach. Through collaboration with regional allies, the Department of Defense will significantly contribute to achieving the President’s goal of dismantling the cartels’ capacity to endanger the U.S. territory, safety, and security,” Parnell continued. “For security and policy reasons, we do not engage in speculation about future operations.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House.