Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, speaking at an event in Caracas marking the 200th anniversary of Simón Bolivar’s “Peruvian sword,” vowed to defend the country against what he called US “imperialist threats.” Wearing military uniform and holding the ‘sword of Bolivar’, Maduro said, “No one has an excuse; civilian, politician, police officer, or soldier. If necessary, we will sacrifice our lives for our country.”
Maduro condemned Washington’s decision to label the so-called “Cartel of the Suns” a terrorist organization and accuse Venezuelan officials, including himself, of involvement. Caracas rejected the US claims as a “ridiculous lie” aimed at justifying intervention. The Venezuelan leader said his country is at a critical moment and must be ready to protect “every inch” of its territory.