CARACAS – The Government of Venezuela has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the United States of carrying out what it describes as a serious military aggression against Venezuelan territory and population. According to the communiqué released on Friday, the alleged attacks targeted both civilian and military locations in the city of Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
In the statement, the Venezuelan government said the actions constitute a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, specifically Articles 1 and 2, which enshrine respect for state sovereignty, the legal equality of states, and the prohibition of the use of force. The government warned that the alleged aggression threatens international peace and stability, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, and places millions of lives at risk.
Accusations over resources and sovereignty
The communiqué claims that the objective of the alleged attack is to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, especially oil and minerals, and to forcibly undermine the country’s political independence. The government asserted that such efforts would fail, stating that Venezuela, after more than two centuries of independence, remains steadfast in defending its sovereignty and its right to self-determination.
The statement further accused Washington of attempting to impose a “colonial war” aimed at destroying Venezuela’s republican system of government and enforcing regime change, allegedly in alliance with what it described as a “fascist oligarchy.”
Call to mobilize and diplomatic action
The government called on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and publicly reject what it termed imperialist aggression. It said the population and the Bolivarian National Armed Forces are deployed in what it described as a unified civilian–military–police posture to safeguard sovereignty and peace.
At the diplomatic level, Venezuela announced it will submit formal complaints to the United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Non-Aligned Movement, demanding condemnation of the United States and accountability for the alleged actions.
State of external emergency declared
The statement said President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the activation of all national defense plans in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution and national security laws. Maduro has also signed a decree declaring a state of external emergency throughout the national territory, aimed, according to the government, at protecting the population’s rights, ensuring the functioning of state institutions, and preparing for armed defense if necessary.
In addition, authorities announced the immediate deployment of the National Comprehensive Defense Command and related defense structures across all states and municipalities.
Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, Venezuela stated that it reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defense to protect its people, territory, and independence. The government called on the peoples and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the wider international community to mobilize in active solidarity with Venezuela.
The statement concludes by quoting former president Hugo Chávez, emphasizing unity and resistance in the face of adversity. The communiqué is dated Caracas, January 3, 2025.