Maduro rejects Trump's accusations, calls for dialogue

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Sep 2025 23:35

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro denies US drug-trafficking allegations and requests direct talks with President Donald Trump after US naval strikes kill 11 civilians.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gives a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Sept 15, 2025. (AP)

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has rejected US allegations that he is involved in drug trafficking and formally asked President Donald Trump for direct talks, according to a letter released by Caracas dated Sept. 6.

The appeal for dialogue comes amid sharply rising tensions after the United States deployed warships to the southern Caribbean and carried out strikes on vessels it claimed were linked to drug smuggling. One strike that killed 11 people has been publicly reported.

All talk, no proof

Meanwhile, Trump defended US military strikes on a targeted vessel in the Caribbean he alleged was carrying illicit drugs. He claimed that the decision was based on “conclusive intelligence", highlighting the precision and diligence of the military operation.

“We’re very careful, the military has been amazing,” he said, adding, “We have recorded proof and evidence. We know what time they were leaving, when they were leaving, what they had, and all of the other things that you’d like to have.”

Trump pointed to the aftermath of the strike, asserting, “We have proof. All you have to do is look at the cargo that was like, it spattered all over the ocean. Big bags of cocaine and fentanyl all over the place.”

Despite Trump’s claims, the White House, Pentagon, and State Department have not provided any evidence to substantiate the president’s statements. Nevertheless, the strike was carried out.

Maduro launches Operation Barracks to the People

In response, Maduro launched Operation Barracks to the People, which involves deploying members of the Bolivarian Armed Forces to 5,336 community districts.

Maduro affirmed that "the popular armies are deployed to guarantee that not a single hair on Venezuela's head will be touched by the criminal American invaders," stressing the need to preserve "the sacred land, seas, and sky of the homeland, in a perfect union between the people, the army, and the police."

He also pointed out that "the concept is the comprehensive defense of the nation, and within this concept, which is the law of the republic and has constitutional standing, two lines are being fully implemented: the active and prolonged resistance of our people and the initiative and permanent offensive on all fronts."

The Venezuelan president also asserted that "there is no excuse for anything to stop; if there is a blockade, then there is no excuse for the Bolivarians."