Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escalated his confrontation with the United States, rallying tens of thousands of supporters across Caracas as he framed the moment as a historic battle for national survival.

Brandishing a sword and dressed in camouflage fatigues, Maduro said: "We must be ready to defend every inch of this blessed land from imperialist threat or aggression, no matter where it comes from."

Tuesday’s show of force unfolded as tensions with President Donald Trump ’s administration reached their highest point in years, fueled by new U.S. designations, military deployments, and spiraling accusations between Washington and Caracas.

Newsweek has contacted the State Department and Venezuela 's Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The confrontation has become o

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