Maduro's pre-attack warnings highlight US drug accusations as pretext for resource grab

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in a New Year's interview aired on TeleSUR, accused the Trump administration of fabricating drug trafficking claims against him to justify military action aimed at seizing Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly oil.

He compared the allegations to false weapons of mass destruction claims that led to prolonged wars, noting most Americans oppose new conflicts like Vietnam or Afghanistan.

Maduro rejected the narco-label, saying no other credible accusations remained against his government.

He expressed readiness for serious, fact-based dialogue with the US on combating drug smuggling, emphasizing Venezuela's willingness anytime.

This came amid months of US naval deployments in the Caribbean, strikes sinking around 30 alleged drug vessels with over 100 deaths, and a December phone call between Maduro and Trump seen as a contact signal.

Hours after the interview, explosions rocked Caracas, with US media attributing them to American airstrikes, escalating longstanding tensions.