Venezuelan Dictator Maduro Threatens to “Liberate” Puerto Rico

Over the weekend, Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro made a surprising and concerning threat to “liberate” the island of Puerto Rico from the United States. This unexpected declaration has sparked outrage and calls for action from various political leaders.

Maduro’s statement, made at an event in Caracas, claimed that Venezuela has a “liberation agenda” similar to the colonization agenda he believes the United States has in the region. He referenced Latin American independence leader Simón Bolívar and vowed to achieve the freedom of Puerto Rico, a US territory.

This threat comes in the wake of Maduro’s controversial third term in office, which was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. The US government, along with international observers, has refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. In fact, the Biden administration recently increased the bounty for Maduro’s capture to $25 million due to his alleged involvement in narco-terrorism.

Despite the geographical distance between Venezuela and Puerto Rico, which is over 400 nautical miles away, concerns have been raised about the Venezuelan military’s capability to carry out such an operation. With limited naval resources and the impact of US sanctions on its military readiness, the feasibility of a Venezuelan invasion remains in question.

Puerto Rico’s Governor, Jenniffer González-Colón, has called on the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump to address Maduro’s aggressive rhetoric. She emphasized Puerto Ricans’ desire to remain part of the US and urged swift action to protect American lives and sovereignty.

Elected officials from the mainland US have also condemned Maduro’s threat, labeling him a “brutal dictator” and calling for support for Venezuelans fighting for freedom. The need to hold countries like Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran accountable for supporting the Maduro regime has been underscored.

The situation remains tense as Maduro’s provocative stance towards Puerto Rico raises concerns about regional stability and US national security. As the international community watches closely, the response to Maduro’s threats will be a critical test for the incoming US administration.

Top image: The Korean-built LST Capana, delivered to Venezuela in 1983 (Carlos E. Perez / CC BY SA 4.0)