The buildup of U.S. military forces near Venezuela and a series of deadly attacks on alleged drug-trafficking boats in waters off its coast has raised the spectre of an invasion of the South American country.

Even with U.S. warships offshore, the strongman has prevailed in efforts to unseat him—purging, spying and paying off officers so the armed forces remain loyal.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday launched a plea in English as tensions mount between Washington and Caracas: "No crazy war, please!" Maduro's comment came after United States (US) President Donald Trump said he had authorised covert action against the South American nation,

Venezuelan government officials floated a plan in which President Nicolás Maduro would eventually leave office, a bid aimed at easing mounting U.S. pressure on the government in Caracas.

President Donald Trump's comments came as he confirmed reports Maduro put forth a proposal that would allow the U.S. to tap into Venezuela's natural resources.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro placed Venezuela on high alert over a major U.S. military deployment near his country's coast.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. military flew a pair of supersonic, heavy bombers up to the coast of Venezuela on Thursday, a little over a week after another group of American bombers made a similar journey as part of a training exercise to simulate an attack.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has asked Pope Leo XIV to help maintain peace in Venezuela. His comments come as the U.S. military continues to strike alleged drug-carrying boats off Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says he is preparing to declare a state of emergency to protect his country in the event of an attack by the US military, amid rising tensions over the deployment of American warships to the Caribbean.

Venezuela’s autocrat had proposed allocating his country’s oil wealth and other natural resources to the U.S. and ending deals with American adversaries to appease President Trump.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Colombian-born Ohio Republican, outlines "Trump doctrine" for Latin America amid escalating tensions over U.S. military strikes on drug vessels.