New US Sanctions Meant to Spark Civil War in Venezuela, Says Defense Minister

The new sanctions aim to undermine the morale of the people, to push us into internal conflict, into a civil war, to divide us and make us fight among ourselves.

Venezuela - Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino sharply criticized the latest wave of unilateral US sanctions against Venezuela, warning that they are intended to create the conditions for a civil war on Venezuelan soil.

"The new sanctions imposed on Venezuela aim to undermine the morale of the Venezuelan people, to push us into internal conflict, into a civil war, to divide us and make us fight among ourselves. Worse yet, they aim to sell off the Essequibo region as if it were a war trophy," Padrino said.

Padrino, speaking during celebrations marking the 16th anniversary of the Bolivarian Militia in the 23 de Enero Parish of Caracas, vowed that Venezuela would defend its sovereignty over the disputed Essequibo territory "with our nails, on every front,"

He also praised the Bolivarian National Armed Forces for securing Venezuela's Atlantic coast maritime waters, ensuring the nation's right to free navigation.

'Multilateral system collapsing'

"We are living in a lawless world, where the multilateral system is collapsing, and institutions like the United Nations are withering," Padrino said, warning of a growing multi-faceted war fueled by ongoing US actions.

The minister further cautioned about the looming threat of a future conflict between the United States and China, attributing it to the decline of American power and Washington's refusal to relinquish its global hegemony.

"Two giants are clashing amid the restructuring of the new world order, paving the way for a multipolar world," he said. "We are living in a turbulent and distorted world that demands our full attention." (PW)

Source: Al-Mayadeen