Venezuela’s Maduro Issues Christmas Message Over Trump War Threat

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued a defiant Christmas message as the threat of a U.S. war hangs over his socialist regime.

President Donald Trump has overseen a large-scale military build-up in the Caribbean as he seeks to destroy drug cartels shipping illegal narcotics to the U.S., with a focus on those operating from Venezuela.

The U.S. has also begun seizing sanctioned vessels shipping oil from Venezuela after Trump declared a blockade, increasing the pressure on Maduro.

Maduro, writing in Spanish on his Telegram channel, said he had been out in Caracas with his wife to see the Christmas celebrations taking place, adding that “what’s coming is partying”.

“Our people are exercising the most beautiful right they have: the right to happiness, to live in peace, and to enjoy this time of unity. ‘No War!'” Maduro wrote.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.