Maduro grants himself extraordinary authority to deploy the military and oversee public utilities and the petroleum sector.
Published On 30 Sep 2025
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has announced his intention to initiate a state of emergency in response to what he describes as imminent “aggression” from the United States, following a series of lethal US strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking near Venezuelan waters.
In a televised speech on Monday, Maduro stated, “We have commenced consultations to declare a state of emergency under the constitution to safeguard our citizens, maintain peace, and ensure stability should the American empire launch a military attack against Venezuela.”
Earlier that day, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez informed international diplomats that Maduro had enacted a decree granting himself “special powers” to manage defense and security matters if the US attempts to “invade our homeland.”
This decree empowers Maduro to deploy military forces nationwide and grants the armed forces control over essential public services and the nation’s oil sector.
These developments coincide with US President Donald Trump’s deployment of eight naval vessels, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 stealth fighter jets to international waters near Venezuela, supported by additional F-35s stationed in Puerto Rico-marking the largest US naval presence in the Caribbean region to date.
Trump has repeatedly asserted that these operations are part of an anti-drug campaign aimed at curbing the influx of illegal narcotics into the United States, despite reports from the United Nations and US agencies indicating that Venezuela is not a primary source of cocaine entering the US market.
The US military has conducted airstrikes on at least three small vessels in international waters off Venezuela, alleging their involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Venezuelan nationals, prompting Caracas to accuse the US of waging an “undeclared war” against the country, which under Maduro’s leadership, has positioned itself as a staunch opponent of Western “imperialism.”
Reports from NBC News suggest that the Trump administration is considering a further escalation, with military planners reportedly preparing airstrike strategies targeting drug traffickers operating within Venezuelan territory.
Maduro has dismissed US allegations of Venezuela’s significant involvement in drug trafficking and expressed a desire for a “historic and peaceful” relationship with the United States.
International experts and UN officials have criticized the US strikes, labeling them as “extrajudicial killings” since the individuals targeted were not subject to judicial proceedings.
Trump has also issued warnings that Venezuela will face an “incalculable” cost if it fails to repatriate immigrants whom he described controversially as “prisoners” and “individuals from mental health institutions.”
According to Venezuela’s constitution, the special powers granted to Maduro through this decree are valid for an initial period of 90 days, with the possibility of extension for an additional 90 days.
