ISTANBUL

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told supporters the country would not accept what he called a “slave’s peace” as he addressed thousands at a rally in the capital, amid escalating tensions and concerns of possible US military action, Al Jazeera reported.

Maduro pledged “absolute loyalty” to Venezuelans during the gathering outside the presidential palace and said the country sought peace rooted in “sovereignty, equality and freedom.” He told the crowd: “We do not want a slave’s peace, nor the peace of colonies. Colony, never. Slaves, never,” as people waved Venezuelan flags.

The rally took place as US President Donald Trump met national security officials at the White House to discuss “next steps” on Venezuela, according to media reports.

The meeting followed a phone call between Trump and Maduro on Sunday. Trump declined to disclose details of the call, saying it did not go “well or badly.”

Asked whether his recent warning about Venezuelan airspace signaled an imminent airstrike, Trump said: “Don't read anything into it.” He earlier said Venezuelan airspace would be “completely shut down,” prompting Caracas to demand “unconditional respect” for its airspace.

The US has expanded military operations across Latin America in recent months, deploying Marines, warships, fighter jets, bombers, submarines and drones.

Trump said last week the US will “very soon” take action against Venezuelan drug traffickers on land following 21 maritime attacks since September that killed at least 83 people.

Reporting from the Colombia-Venezuela border, Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo said Maduro’s public appearance followed rumors he had fled the country after Trump announced the closure of Venezuelan airspace. She said people crossing the Simon Bolivar bridge were “extremely concerned” about the possibility of a US strike.

Bo said Venezuela has been deploying troops across the country, including around the capital and along routes to the airport and coastal areas. She said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has showcased military equipment, including air defense systems and fighter jets.

Al Jazeera cited sources in Venezuela as saying they recognize the country’s military cannot match US forces. “That’s why they are focusing on another strategy. And this would include irregular attacks, sabotage, using criminal groups, government supporters, and possibly guerrillas, among others,” Bo said.

“The main idea would be to generate chaos (and) anarchy, and that’s something that concerns many people in the country,” Bo said, adding that while some Venezuelans want Maduro out, many fear the country could be overtaken by violence.