Venezuela News - September 2, 2025

CARACAS - Key developments in Venezuela today include a U.S. naval strike on a narcotics vessel, President Nicolás Maduro’s renewed warning of armed resistance against any U.S. attack, and an arrest warrant issued for a leading opposition figure.

U.S. Strike on Drug-Carrying Vessel Early Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces conducted a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug-laden vessel that departed from Venezuelan waters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the target as operated by a “designated narco-terrorist organization,” though details on the operation remain limited and Venezuelan authorities have yet to comment.

Maduro Threatens “Republic in Arms” In response to an expanded U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean, President Maduro declared that he would constitutionally proclaim a “republic in arms” should Venezuela be attacked by U.S. forces. Speaking at a Caracas press conference, Maduro described the deployment of eight U.S. warships and over 4,000 personnel as an “extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal” threat, and announced the mobilization of civilian militias and coastal troops to defend the nation.

Arrest Warrant for Opposition Candidate A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant against Edmundo González, an opposition figure accused of “conspiracy” and “incitement to disobedience” following last month’s disputed presidential election. González fled the country upon learning of the charges, which critics say are politically motivated to suppress dissent. International bodies, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States, have condemned the arrest warrant and called for respect for due process and electoral transparency.