Venezuela Sends Troops to Border as US Warships Approach

Venezuela vowed to reinforce security along its border with Colombia as President Donald Trump’s administration sends US warships to the southern Caribbean.

President Nicolas Maduro used his weekly television show to confirm he ordered the deployment of 15,000 “well armed and trained” men and women to the states of Zulia and Tachira. He also singled out Trump’s top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning the US move risked becoming a debacle.

“Unfortunately this gentleman, with his madness and extremism, could lead President Donald Trump to the worst possible scenario in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Maduro said Monday evening. “We will emerge victorious from this situation.”

The Venezuelan forces will be joined by an unspecified number of boats, aircraft and drones, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said earlier at a news conference.

At least three US warships, carrying more than 4,000 sailors and Marines, are set to approach the region to counter drug cartels.

Trump has rattled Latin American leaders by reportedly ordering the Defense Department to prepare for potential military operations.

Venezuela is already in talks with Colombia’s defense ministry for the security reinforcement at the border, Maduro said, adding that he expected the negotiations to “go well”.

Last week, the socialist ruler dismissed news of the US deployment but nonetheless called on Venezuelans to unite and join militias.

On Monday, he said his people had signed up “massively” throughout the weekend. State television is now running ads promoting the enlistment drive under the slogan “always ready.”