Thousands march in Venezuela to protest US 'threats,' show support for President Maduro

BOGOTA, Colombia / ISTANBUL

Thousands of people on Tuesday took to the streets across Venezuela to protest what they described as mounting US threats against the country and to voice support for President Nicolas Maduro.

In the capital Caracas, demonstrators filled streets during the “Flag and Sword March of Liberator Simon Bolivar,” carrying massive Venezuelan flags and condemning the US military buildup in the Caribbean.

Participants blasted the deployment as a “threat and attack,” while many marched with pictures of Maduro and chanted pro-government slogans.

Police officers, soldiers, militia members, and large numbers of civilians joined the march, which organizers said was intended to project unity against any potential US intervention.

Walking alongside demonstrators, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the Venezuelan people are growing “more united each day,” are determined to defend their freedom.

Cabello warned that the country would protect itself with all available means, declaring: “In recent times, the threats of imperialism and the attacks by those who think they rule the world have increased. Their intention is to seize Venezuela’s natural resources.”

Venezuela is prepared to repel 'any attack'

The protest came just days after the US designated the Cartel de los Soles -- a criminal network Washington claims is directed by Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials -- as a foreign terrorist organization.

The Venezuelan government condemned the move, calling it an attempt to manufacture a pretext for intervention.

US officials have also deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with its strike group to the Latin American region, describing the action as part of international counternarcotics operations.

Maduro responded by announcing the mobilization of 4.5 million militia members across the country, saying Venezuela is prepared to repel “any attack.”