Maduro declares immediate readiness of Venezuelan armed forces

In a news conference held in the wake of increasing tensions with the United States due to the presence of Washington's nuclear warships and submarines around the coast of Venezuela, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said: Some today is trying to return to the era of colonialism and domination of South America, and we will never allow the colonizer who came to enslave this region to achieve his goal. We raised a free generation and stood against them through free men like Simon Bolivar

He referred to the history of the struggles of South American countries against the phenomenon of colonialism and said that we must return to history to understand the present era; our path and policy are rooted in revolutionary struggle, freedom, independence, and the destruction of colonialism. The Bolivarian Revolution has demonstrated its greatest strength and power in the 21st century, as it has withstood severe blockades and conspiracies by 31 countries.

The Venezuelan President addressed the high number of elections held in the country over the past year and stated that, in just one year, the government has demonstrated democracy through direct elections seven times, showcasing the Venezuelan example of democracy.

Maduro, referring to the US threats against Venezuelan sovereignty, said that there is a criminal and unjustified threat called maximum military pressure. Accordingly, we have declared an extraordinary alert for our military forces. Our military force is exceptionally well-prepared and supports the country alongside diplomatic efforts.

He continued, Venezuela will remain a peaceful country, but we will never accept any threat; they should know this, and it is better to return to our history.

Referring to the enemies' efforts to change the country's regime, Maduro stated that the country's progress is our response to the maximum pressure that the White House announced against Venezuela.

He noted that today we remember the blatant lie of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which killed more than a million people in that war.

The Venezuelan president concluded by stating that he is not a businessman, but a worker, a fighter, and a defender of this land; whatever the consequences.