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Featured image: Venezuelan President NicolĂĄs Maduro holding the recently signed decree regarding external unrest; the decree protects Venezuela from US military aggression scenario and was signed at Miraflores Palace, Caracas, September 23, 2025. Photo: Venezuela's Presidential Press.
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)âHours after US President Donald Trump threatened to “blow out of existence” the Venezuelan president, NicolĂĄs Maduro announced Tuesday night a decree is being evaluated declaring a state of external unrest.
The decision was announced during an extraordinary meeting of Venezuela’s Council of State at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. Venezuelan President NicolĂĄs Maduro made the announcement alongside Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Attorney General Tarek William Saab, President of the Supreme Court of Justice Caryslia Rodriguez, and President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez.
This unprecedented Constitutional measure would allow Venezuela to take exceptional actions in the face of a possible military attack by the United States.
Earlier on Tuesday, at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump publicly threatened Venezuela and its government, which he claimed is a terrorist organization, with obliteration by force.
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“Weâve recently begun using the supreme power of the United States military to destroy Venezuelan terrorists and trafficking networks led by NicolĂĄs Maduro. To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence,” Trump said.
His remarks came amid growing criticism of US “practices” in the Caribbean, where the Trump administration has ordered extrajudicial killings of people on small boats allegedly carrying drugs. This is despite international expert reports, including those from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, indicating that only 5% of the drugs consumed in the US transit through Venezuela.
Constitutional framework
President Maduro framed the announcement as a response to US aggression, stating that Venezuela will be “prepared for any scenario to guarantee stability, the exercise of sovereignty, and the unity of our country.”
According to the Venezuelan Constitution, the decreeâa part of the chapter covering “States of Exception”ârequires approval by the Council of Ministers, submission to the National Assembly for consideration, and constitutional review by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice within eight days. Constitutional Article 339 establishes that the state of external unrest does not interrupt the functioning of public powers and may be effective for up to 90 days, extendable for an equal period.
Below is the Constitutional text supporting the Venezuelan president’s announcement:
Article 338
A state of alarm may be declared when catastrophes, public calamities, or other similar events occur that seriously endanger the security of the nation or its citizens. Such state of exception shall last for up to 30 days, and may be extended for an additional 30 days.
A state of economic emergency may be declared when extraordinary economic circumstances arise, such as those that seriously affect the economic life of the nation. The duration of this state of emergency shall be 60 days, with the possibility of extension for the same period.
A state of internal or external commotion may be declared in the event of an internal or external conflict seriously endangering the security of the nation, its citizens, or its institutions. Such state of commotion shall last for up to 90 days and may be extended for an additional 90 days.
The National Assembly is responsible for the approval of the extension of the states of exemption. An organic law shall regulate states of exception and determine the measures that may be adopted based on them.
Article 339
The Decree declaring a state of exception, which shall provide for regulating the right whose guarantee is restricted, shall be submitted within eight days of promulgation for consideration and approval by the National Assembly or Delegated Committee and for a ruling by the Constitutional Division of the Supreme Tribunal or Justice on its Constitutionality. The Decree must be in compliance with the requirements, principles, and guarantees established in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the American Convention on Human Rights. The President of the Republic shall have the power to request its extension for a similar period, and the Decree shall be revoked by the National Executive or by the National Assembly or the latterâs Delegated Committee prior to the indicated date of expiration upon cessation of the conditions which produced them.
The declaration of a state of exception does not interrupt the functioning of the organs of the Public Power.
Regional repercussions and diplomatic efforts
During the Council of State meeting, the Venezuelan president reflected on the growing international refusal to accept what he referred to as the “radical, intransigent, and extravagant positions” of the US regime.
“There is growing rejection within the United Nations, in countries around the world, in Latin America, the Caribbean, and CELAC, against the construction of a crude and totally false narrative, an immoral one against a country with republican institutions and constitutional strength such as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” President Maduro stated.
He added that a US attack against Venezuela would plunge the entire region into violence: “An attack against Venezuela would not only set the Caribbean ablaze but all of South America… A narrative defeated by its own falsehood is being constructed.”
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The head of state highlighted Venezuela’s measured response. “Because we have reason and truth on our side; we are the way, the truth, and the life against violence, lies, and evil,” he said.
President Maduro also referenced a letter to Trump, which the Venezuelan government disclosed after it was leaked to the US press last week. Dated September 6, the letter refuted US claims about Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking, citing United Nations reports showing that only 5% of drugs produced in Colombia are shipped through Venezuela and that about 70% of these are seized and destroyed by Venezuelan authorities. The letter emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to peace and diplomacy to avoid an escalation.
On Friday, Trump announced a third strike on alleged drug boats from Venezuela, killing 17 Venezuelans. This occurs amid an unprecedented US military buildup in the southern Caribbean that includes eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 stealth fighters.
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
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