The United States issued an ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Friday, demanding that he leave the country "immediately" as American military forces moved closer to the region.
According to US defense sources, Washington positioned 11 warships and 15,000 troops in the Caribbean as part of a large-scale operation aimed at pressuring Venezuela’s leadership. The deployment followed a string of drone strikes that reportedly targeted suspected drug trafficking operations connected to Maduro’s regime.
A senior White House official stated that Venezuelan authorities had been notified through diplomatic channels that "Maduro’s time has run out." The official emphasized that the US was prepared to take “decisive measures” if the Venezuelan leader refused to step down.
"This is the final chance for Nicolás Maduro to leave peacefully," the statement read.
"Any resistance will be met with swift military force."
The ultimatum triggered mixed reactions across Latin America. Some regional governments called for restraint and urged a return to diplomatic dialogue, while others expressed support for US efforts to dismantle Venezuela’s authoritarian system.
Russia and China, both close partners of Caracas, condemned the American escalation, warning that it could destabilize the broader region.
In Caracas, reports indicated heightened tension as security forces fortified key government buildings and prepared for possible unrest. Citizens were seen stockpiling food and fuel amid growing fears of international conflict.
Since early 2019, the US has recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate interim president, accusing Maduro of electoral fraud and systemic human rights abuses. Economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation have since intensified pressure on the Venezuelan government.
“Maduro’s government has destroyed Venezuela’s economy and silenced its people,” a US Department of State official stated.
The situation remains volatile, with intelligence sources indicating that Maduro still retains the loyalty of key military units. Analysts suggest that any direct US intervention risks a regional crisis if negotiations fail.
Author’s Summary: The US has given Nicolás Maduro an ultimatum to flee Venezuela as American forces close in, heightening fears of a regional military confrontation.