Maduro Accuses US of Aggression to Seize Venezuela’s Natural Resources

Nicolás Maduro, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, addressed the nation via television, accusing the United States of attempting to destabilize Venezuela and seize its natural resources under false pretenses. He claimed that the U.S. had dispatched eight warships and a nuclear submarine to Venezuela’s coast, asserting that Washington’s true objective was to “end the largest development project in Latin America” and to acquire Venezuela’s oil, gas, gold, and other minerals without cost. Maduro emphasized that these U.S. plans are destined to fail and asserted that Venezuela would remain a sovereign nation characterized by “peace, equality, democracy, and freedom.”

Maduro’s remarks followed a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced that U.S. forces had destroyed a Venezuelan drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. Initially described as a relatively large vessel, sources later clarified that the target was a small motorboat. Trump labeled the victims as “narcoterrorists” from the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua (TdA), which he claimed operates under Maduro’s control and is responsible for drug trafficking, mass murder, sex trafficking, and acts of violence throughout the United States and the Western Hemisphere.

In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump shared a video showing the moment the boat was struck and engulfed in flames. The attack occurred in international waters within the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the operation was “lethal” and targeted a vessel linked to a “narco-terrorist organization,” suggesting that the boat was likely en route to Trinidad or another Caribbean destination.

Venezuelan Communications Minister Freddy Nañez raised doubts about the authenticity of the video, suggesting it might have been created using artificial intelligence. However, a preliminary review found no signs of manipulation. The Pentagon confirmed a “precision strike” on the vessel but did not provide details about the weapon used or the amount of drugs onboard.

This military action is part of an escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean region, which recently saw the deployment of seven warships and over 4,500 troops. In response to the U.S. actions, Maduro condemned the strikes as a “threat” and indicated he was prepared to “declare the republic in arms” if attacked.

Reports emerged on September 2, 2025, that the U.S. Navy had struck a Venezuelan ship with a Tomahawk cruise missile in the southern Caribbean Sea. Preliminary information suggested that the attacked vessel was used for drug transportation, aligning with U.S. policy aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. This incident contributed to the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, prompting Maduro to express his readiness to respond to any provocations.