Maduro asserts Venezuela will not accept a “slave’s peace”

At a massive rally in Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro renewed his call for peace while pledging his “absolute loyalty” to the people, as tensions rise over possible United States military action. The gathering on Monday coincided with reports that US President Donald Trump met his national security team at the White House to discuss the “next steps” regarding Venezuela.

Addressing supporters waving national flags outside the Miraflores Palace, Maduro said the country sought peace, but one founded on “sovereignty, equality and freedom”. He declared, “We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies! Colony, never! Slaves, never!”

The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, which it describes as part of an anti–drug trafficking mission. Caracas, however, insists the moves are aimed at toppling Maduro’s government. Washington has deployed 15,000 troops and the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the region, while designating the Cartel de los Soles—described as a drug trafficking network allegedly led by Maduro—as a “terrorist” organisation.

Since September, at least 21 strikes have been carried out on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, killing no fewer than 83 people. Experts argue the assembled US military power far exceeds the requirements of an anti–narcotics operation. Caracas claims the US seeks regime change to gain control of Venezuela’s vast natural resources, including oil.

Maduro on Monday accused the US of waging a campaign of “psychological terrorism”. He said, “We have endured 22 weeks of aggression. These 22 weeks have put us to the test, and the Venezuelan people have demonstrated their love for the homeland.”

Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Maduro by phone, but gave no further details. According to Reuters, citing informed sources, Trump offered Maduro safe passage out of the country during their 21 November call. Three sources said Maduro expressed willingness to leave Venezuela if he and his family received full legal amnesty, including the lifting of US sanctions and the termination of an International Criminal Court case. He also requested sanctions relief for more than 100 Venezuelan officials.

Trump reportedly rejected most of these requests but gave Maduro one week to depart for a destination of his choosing. With the deadline expiring on Friday, Trump announced the closure of Venezuelan airspace on Saturday. Neither government commented immediately on the report.

Washington maintains it does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, claiming last year’s election—won by Maduro—was fraudulent, a position supported by independent observers who say the opposition secured victory.

Reporting from the Colombia–Venezuela border, Teresa Bo of the media outlet noted that Maduro’s appearance at the rally followed rumours he had left the country after the airspace announcement. Many Venezuelans crossing the Simón Bolívar International Bridge expressed deep concern over the possibility of a US strike.

Meanwhile, Venezuela continues deploying military units nationwide. Security has been reinforced in Caracas, the airport highway, and coastal regions. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López displayed equipment including air defence systems and fighter jets.

Bo stated that Venezuelan officials knew their military could not match US strength and were focusing on irregular tactics such as sabotage, asymmetric attacks, and the use of criminal groups, government supporters and possibly guerrilla fighters. Although many citizens want Maduro gone, they fear potential violence and chaos.

Khaborwala/SS