Venezuela’s FM: U.S. Attack Exposes Imperialist Nature of Washington’s Policy
Yván Gil Says Washington Seeks Resource Seizure, Demands Proof of Life for President Maduro
Venezuela | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, declared on Saturday that the recent U.S. military aggression against Venezuelan territory has laid bare the imperialist character of Washington’s foreign policy, accusing the United States of pursuing control over the country’s strategic natural resources through open violence.
Speaking on January 3, Gil described the attack as “vile and criminal”, stating that it represents a direct assault on Venezuela’s sovereignty and political independence.
Alleged Abduction of President Maduro and First Lady
In statements to teleSUR, Gil said the aggression was compounded by what he described as the kidnapping of Venezuela’s constitutional president, Nicolás Maduro, and the First Combatant, Cilia Flores.
He demanded immediate proof of life, asserting that those responsible for the military assault are “the true aggressors and war criminals,” and warning that silence or ambiguity would deepen international responsibility for the crime.
Attack Aimed at Seizing Venezuela’s Strategic Resources
Gil stressed that the central objective of the U.S. offensive is the seizure of Venezuela’s strategic natural wealth, including energy and mineral resources.
“There is no other reason behind this attack,” he said. “There is no other motive than the intention to appropriate Venezuela’s natural riches.”
He accused Washington of fabricating a false pretext to justify its actions, describing the narrative used by U.S. authorities as a deliberate attempt to legitimize criminal operations inside Venezuelan territory.
Government and People United in Defense of Sovereignty
The foreign minister reaffirmed that Venezuela remains firm in defending its sovereignty and national dignity, emphasizing that the government, in coordination with the Venezuelan people, is prepared to confront any attempt at external domination.
Gil highlighted that the country continues to pursue peace and stability under President Maduro’s leadership, while maintaining full readiness to resist foreign aggression.
Attack Followed Maduro’s Call for Peace and Dialogue
Gil noted that the military assault took place just hours after President Maduro delivered a message on January 1 calling for peace, dialogue, and diplomacy.
“We stand for peace. We stand for democracy,” Gil said. “But we are also resolute in defending our nation, and we know exactly who the aggressors are.”
According to the Venezuelan government, the attack followed weeks of escalating hostile actions by the United States, including threats, intimidating military movements, and covert destabilization operations.
Caracas has repeatedly warned international forums that such actions violate international law and the United Nations Charter, cautioning that continued pressure would inevitably lead to direct aggression.
Caracas: Open Criminal Action Confirms Prior Warnings
Venezuelan authorities stated that the bombardment confirms their previous denunciations and proves that Washington’s pressure campaign has now escalated into an open criminal assault, which resulted in further casualties during the overnight attacks.
The government reiterated that Venezuela will continue to resist imperial aggression and pursue international accountability for what it described as a grave crime against a sovereign nation. (PW)