Venezuelan President Maduro said on the 1st that the United States is attempting to exert 'maximum pressure' on Venezuela through military means. Eight US warships carrying a total of 1,200 missiles, as well as a nuclear submarine, are 'aiming' at Venezuela, which is facing its 'greatest threat' in nearly a century.
During a press conference, he accused US officials, including Secretary of State Rubio, of attempting to use military means to exert 'maximum pressure' and overthrow the Venezuelan government.
He said this is an 'excessive, unreasonable, immoral and absolutely criminal' threat that violates the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Maduro emphasized that the Venezuelan government has made the 'maximum' preparations to defend the country and will not yield to any form of extortion or threat. The Venezuelan government will organize mass nationwide training this week and form community militia combat units.
He said that it is absurd for the US side to use combating drug trafficking as an excuse to send troops to the Caribbean, and its legitimacy will not stand. The Venezuelan government has consistently strived to fight drug trafficking, continuously seizing drugs and destroying aircraft and other vehicles used by drug trafficking groups. At present, official communication channels between Venezuela and the US are not smooth, but the Venezuelan side has always kept dialogue and diplomatic channels open.