Maduro Threatens to “Free” Puerto Rico with the Help of Brazilian TroopsMaduro Threatens to “Free” Puerto Rico with the Help of Brazilian Troops

In a fiery speech during the closing ceremony of the “International Antifascist Festival” held in Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro threatened to invade Puerto Rico with the support of “forces from Brazil” in order to free the Caribbean territory from the “colonization” of the United States.

Maduro referred to the “Abreu de Lima Battalion”, an allusion to Brazilian general José Inácio Abreu e Lima, who fought alongside Simón Bolívar in South America’s wars of independence in the 19th century. The use of the battalion’s name aims to highlight a historical symbolism of unity between Latin American peoples against foreign powers, although the mention has been met with skepticism by analysts and authorities. The Abreu de Lima Battalion is often used as rhetoric by Maduro to exalt the idea of regional solidarity in favor of revolutionary causes.

The statement came amid recent diplomatic tensions caused by US President-elect Donald Trump’s intentions to annex and control the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada. According to Maduro, these intentions are a reflection of a colonization program by the United States, to which Venezuela intends to respond with a “liberation program”.

“Just as the North has a colonization program, we have a liberation program. Freedom is on hold in Puerto Rico and we will achieve it with the troops of Brazil,” declared Maduro.

The chavista leader’s speech provoked a swift reaction from Jennifer González, the US governor of Puerto Rico, who sent a letter to President-elect Trump, asking for a firm response to the Venezuelan regime.

“I trust that your [Trump] administration will respond swiftly and make it clear to the Maduro narco-regime that the United States will protect American lives and sovereignty and will not bow to petty criminals and murderers,” said González.

The Brazilian government, for its part, has yet to officially comment on Maduro’s statement. The relationship between Brazil and Venezuela is marked by tensions. The Brazilian government did not recognize Maduro’s victory in the July 28, 2024 elections, the legitimacy of which has not been proven. However, the two countries maintain diplomatic relations.

Experts see the statement as part of a strategy by Maduro to reinforce the anti-American discourse and divert attention from the internal crises plaguing Venezuela. Furthermore, analysts consider it unlikely that Brazil would support any military initiative of this nature, especially considering the current political and diplomatic context.

Tense Geopolitical Scenario

Maduro’s statements add a new element of tension to relations between the United States and Venezuela. President-elect Donald Trump has yet to comment directly on the speech, but his administration is expected to adopt a tough stance against the Chavista government, which has been the target of international sanctions.

Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, has the status of a free associated state, with its citizens enjoying American nationality. Any threat to invade the territory would be seen as a direct attack on US sovereignty, increasing the potential for military and diplomatic escalation in the region.

The situation also highlights the uncomfortable position of Brazil, which, despite maintaining diplomatic relations with Venezuela, has avoided getting directly involved in geopolitical conflicts in the region. It remains to be seen how the Brazilian government will react to yet another controversy involving its northern neighbor.

The hypocrisy of the situation does not go unnoticed, especially considering that Venezuela already operates as a dictatorial state masquerading as a democracy. What’s more, the anti-fascist festival itself, promoted by a regime that restricts civil liberties and represses opponents, illustrates an obvious paradox. Brazil, for its part, is also facing growing warnings about the risk of following a similar path, with authoritarian advances threatening democracy in the country.

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