Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed Monday that eight US military vessels "with 1,200 missiles" were targeting his country, denouncing an "absolutely criminal, bloody threat."

The United States, which accuses Maduro of leading a drug cartel, has announced a deployment of warships to the southern Caribbean in an anti-drug trafficking operation, and has made no public threat to invade Venezuela.

Speaking at a rare press conference with international media, Maduro said Venezuela faced “the greatest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years.” He added that while his country is peaceful, it “will not bow to threats.”

US officials have insisted the mission is aimed at combating cartels and have made no public threat of invading Venezuela.

Tensions between Washi

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