Venezuela Says It’s Prepared To Defend Territory Amid Escalating U.S. Tensions

VENEZUELA – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is signaling a harder line tonight, declaring his country is “ready to defend itself” amid rising tensions with the United States.

The comments came during the 105th anniversary of Venezuelan military aviation where F-16s and helicopters staged a show of force, trailing smoke in the colors of the national flag.

The U.S. has stepped up operations in the Caribbean, including strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats – actions the Trump administration says target narco-terrorists.

Maduro denies any links to criminal groups.