Maduro Declares State of External Emergency Amid Escalating US Tensions

Emergency Decree Enacted

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has formally signed a decree declaring a 'state of external emergency,' also known as 'Declaración de Conmoción Externa,' in response to what his government describes as escalating threats and aggression from the United States. The announcement was made on Monday, September 29, 2025, by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. This measure grants President Maduro expanded powers in matters of defense and national security, citing the presence of U.S. military forces near Venezuelan waters.

Under Article 338 of Venezuela's constitution, this declaration allows the government to temporarily suspend certain constitutional guarantees, though fundamental rights such as the right to life or protection against torture remain intact. The decree is valid for an initial period of 90 days and can be extended once for an additional 90 days. It requires approval from the Council of Ministers, submission to the National Assembly, and review by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court within eight days.

Expanded Security Powers

The newly enacted decree provides the Venezuelan government with broad authority to respond to perceived external threats. Key provisions of the expanded security powers include:

• The ability to mobilize armed forces throughout the country.
• Granting the military authority over public services and the oil industry.
• The option to close borders.

Vice President Rodríguez stated that the decree gives President Maduro 'special powers' as head of state to act in defense and security should the United States 'dare to attack our homeland.' Maduro himself declared that 'Venezuela will never be humiliated by any empire' and warned that any U.S. attack would trigger 'a continental-scale war,' calling for national unity to respond to threats.

Allegations of U.S. Aggression

The Venezuelan government's decision stems from a significant U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean. President Maduro has cited the presence of eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 fighter jets as 'the greatest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years.'

Caracas views these U.S. operations, which Washington states are aimed at combating drug trafficking, as a pretext for regime change and an act of coercion. Venezuelan officials have condemned recent U.S. military actions, including strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean that reportedly killed 14 to 17 people, describing them as 'extrajudicial execution' and 'murder.' President Donald Trump has publicly accused Maduro of leading the 'Cartel of the Suns,' a network allegedly linked to cocaine trafficking.

International Context and Reactions

The U.S. has maintained that its military presence is part of an effort to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the region. However, UN experts and international scholars have questioned the legality of using deadly military force against individuals not indicted in court. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil has urged the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to take a united stance against what he described as aggressive U.S. military posturing.

The declaration of a state of external emergency underscores the heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States, with both nations maintaining firm positions regarding the military activities in the Caribbean.