Venezuela has activated extraordinary constitutional measures granting President Nicolás Maduro sweeping security powers, as tensions with Washington reach new heights following an American military build-up in the Caribbean and reports of potential US strikes on Venezuelan territory.

The decree on "State of External Commotion," one of four emergency provisions under Venezuelan law, empowers Maduro to mobilise the armed forces nationwide and assert government control over critical infrastructure, including the oil industry and public services, should foreign military action materialise.

Executive vice-president Delcy Rodríguez, announcing the measure at a meeting of the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace on September 29, denounced the American naval presence in nearby waters as a "violation of the UN Charter that already constitutes a threat to Venezuelan sovereignty."

The emergency powers, valid for an initial 90-day period with the possibility of a further 90-day extension, come as NBC News reported last week that the Trump administration may be considering military strikes inside Venezuela "in the coming weeks" targeting alleged drug-trafficking operations.

The escalation follows weeks of rising tensions that have seen American forces destroy multiple vessels in Caribbean waters, killing more than a dozen Venezuelans whom Washington claims were transporting narcotics. The White House has not released conclusive evidence confirming the victims' identities.

Despite the military brinkmanship, Maduro has privately sought reconciliation with the Trump administration. In a letter dated September 6 to US Special Envoy Richard Grenell, the Venezuelan leader denied involvement in drug trafficking, calling the allegations "fake news" and proposing "direct and frank conversations."

Maduro cited UN data showing only 5% of Colombian-produced drugs transit through Venezuela, claiming his government has intercepted more than 70% of that volume attempting to cross the 2,200-kilometre Colombian border this year.

The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading the "Cartel de los Soles" and collaborating with Mexican cartels to supply cocaine to the United States. In August, Washington doubled its bounty for information leading to his arrest to $50mn.

The president is now “prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” a senior administration official told NBC News.

Vice-President Rodríguez warned that Venezuelan constitutional law prohibits any party, domestic or foreign, from advocating or supporting external military aggression against the nation — a pointed message to both Washington and the embattled domestic opposition. Violators would face prosecution under national law. She characterised the US actions as part of a broader strategy to access Venezuela's substantial energy and mineral reserves.

According to EFE, the decree would enable immediate border closures — land, sea and air — whilst activating comprehensive economic and political contingency plans to maintain essential services and national stability. Venezuela's military has already begun conducting training exercises with civilian militia members, instructing volunteers in weapons handling as preparation for what officials describe as a possible American incursion.

Trump recently mocked these civilian training exercises in a Truth Social post, sharing widely circulated footage of Venezuelans undergoing military drills. He also warned that Maduro's government would face an "incalculable" price if it failed to readmit migrants previously sent to the United States.

Under Venezuelan constitutional provisions, whilst certain rights may be temporarily restricted during a state of emergency, fundamental protections remain inviolable, including the right to life, prohibition of torture, due process, and access to information.

The measure requires approval from the National Assembly within eight days and constitutional review by the Supreme Court, though it takes immediate effect upon presidential signature. The Chavista-controlled parliament is expected to support the initiative.

Venezuelan human rights organisations, meanwhile, have called for the immediate publication of the decree's full text, noting that citizens need clarity on any potential restrictions to their rights.

Grenell, a former US ambassador to Germany who has met with Maduro several times this year to negotiate prisoner exchanges and migrant repatriations, has publicly advocated for de-escalation, suggesting an agreement remains possible. However, influential administration hawks including Secretary of State Marco Rubio reject dialogue and are said to be pushing for regime change, potentially through military means.