Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addressed his supporters on Tuesday during a gathering in Caracas, the nation’s capital. Clad in camouflage fatigues and holding a sword, Maduro pledged to safeguard his country against any potential threats from the United States. This defiant stance emerges amidst what appears to be a critical escalation of tensions between Venezuela and the U.S., as the latter has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean Sea. Since September, U.S. operations targeting vessels it alleges are smuggling narcotics have resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals.

“We must be prepared to defend every part of this blessed territory from imperialist threat or aggression, regardless of its origin,” Maduro declared to his enthusiastic supporters. “There is no justification for anyone to waver at this crucial moment, for the very existence of the Republic, no excuse.”

The sword brandished by Maduro is believed to have once belonged to the late military figure Simon Bolivar, who was instrumental in Venezuela’s fight for independence.

Maduro’s public assertion against any international threat occurs amidst growing friction with the U.S.

The U.S. has designated the Cartel de los Soles, which it identifies as “headed by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime,” as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).” A statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—a prominent figure in the U.S.-Venezuela tensions—asserted that “neither Maduro nor his associates represent Venezuela’s legitimate government.”

The Trump Administration, following the precedent set by the Biden Administration, does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Maduro assumed the presidency of Venezuela after Hugo Chavez’s passing in 2013. He was inaugurated for a third term in January, despite widespread questions regarding the integrity of the country’s election outcomes.

Trump has previously stated that the Venezuelan cartel is controlled by Maduro, a claim supported by assessments from U.S. analysts.

Amid unconfirmed reports that the U.S. might soon initiate a new phase of its operations concerning Venezuela, reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday questioned Trump about his plans to speak with Maduro.

“I might engage in talks with him. We’ll see, but discussions are underway with various staff members. We might communicate with Venezuela,” Trump commented. “If we can preserve lives, if we can achieve things the straightforward way, that’s acceptable. And if we must do it the difficult way, that’s also acceptable.”

Trump and his Administration have contended that U.S. military action in the Caribbean Sea is essential to curb the influx of drugs into the United States. However, the President’s approach has garnered considerable criticism and concern, even from within his own political party.

“The strategic objective of militarizing a ‘War on Drugs’ is, at best, unclear, and while not presently desired or planned, these operations could conceivably escalate to direct military conflict with Venezuela or even operations within the United States,” stated Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana earlier this month.

Public opinion has also seemingly demonstrated strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s actions regarding this issue. A recent poll, conducted from November 19-21, indicated that 70% of respondents opposed U.S. military action in Venezuela, and 56% believed that any such military action would have no impact on the quantity of drugs entering the U.S.

Global ramifications have also emerged, with some nations now having suspended—or reduced—portions of their aid programs.

Adding to the international censure, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Tuesday criticized the U.S. military presence in the region, labeling it an “exaggerated and aggressive” threat. He proceeded to “appeal” to the American populace to halt the “madness.”

Colombia has adopted a similar stance against the boat strikes and the increasing U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean. Colombian President Gustavo Petro previously accused Secretary Rubio and Trump of showing a disregard for the people targeted on the boats. Petro has also asserted that “military operations must be subordinated to the human rights of the Caribbean people.”