‘Anti-Imperialist Liberation War’
By Natalie Naidoo
Caracas, Venezuela –
In a defiant stand against what he calls an imperialist attack, Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López has released a video message rallying the nation for an “anti-imperialist and liberation war” against the American empire.
The statement, shared on January 3, 2026, comes amid chaos following U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan soil that targeted key installations and led to claims of President Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
For ordinary Venezuelans waking to blackouts and uncertainty, Padrino’s words offer a call to arms but also deepen fears of a wider conflict that could worsen daily hardships like food shortages and power cuts.
The minister, alive despite earlier false reports of his death, urged all social and political forces to activate mobilisation plans and repudiate the assault, framing it as a fight for sovereignty.
This bold response from a key Maduro ally highlights the high stakes in a nation already strained by years of economic crisis and political division.
As families huddle in darkened homes, wondering what comes next, Padrino’s message resonates with those who see the U.S. actions as overreach, while raising alarms about escalation in a region on edge.
In South Africa, with our history of resisting external pressures, this story echoes calls for self-determination, reminding us how global power plays can upend lives far from the centres of decision-making.
With no immediate U.S. response and international condemnation growing, the world watches as Venezuela braces for what could be a prolonged standoff in 2026.
Padrino’s video, delivered with military precision, rejects U.S. claims and positions Venezuela as a defender against aggression, potentially rallying support at home but risking further isolation abroad.
The Video Message: A Call to Arms Against Imperialism
In the video released on January 3, 2026, Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López appeared resolute, dismissing reports of his death as false and urging Venezuelans to rise against the “American empire.”
He called for an “anti-imperialist and liberation war,” emphasising the need to mobilise all forces to repel what he described as an unprovoked assault.
Padrino stressed unity, saying the Bolivarian government urges all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilisation plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.
The message, likely recorded from a secure location amid ongoing unrest, aims to boost morale among troops and civilians.
Padrino, a key figure in Maduro’s inner circle, has long been a vocal defender of the regime, often framing external pressures as threats to Venezuela’s independence.
His survival counters U.S. narratives and could galvanise loyalists, but it also heightens risks if clashes intensify.
For families in Caracas facing blackouts and street fighting, this call brings mixed feelings – pride in resistance but fear of more violence. In 2025, similar rhetoric preceded crackdowns on protests, leaving thousands detained.
Vladimir Padrino López: A Loyal Defender in Turbulent Times
Vladimir Padrino López, 62, has served as Venezuela’s Defence Minister since 2014, a role that makes him a pillar of Maduro’s government.
Born in Caracas, he rose through the military ranks, graduating from the Military Academy in 1984 and holding key posts like Chief of the General Staff.
A staunch Chavista – follower of Hugo Chávez’s ideology – Padrino has navigated coups, sanctions, and internal purges, remaining loyal through crises.
In 2019, he rejected U.S.-backed opposition attempts to oust Maduro, helping secure the regime. His 2025 speeches often condemned “imperialist” threats, aligning with Maduro’s anti-US stance.
Despite rumours of his death in the January 3 strikes, Padrino’s video proves his survival, a boost for Maduro’s camp.
As a family man with a military background, Padrino embodies the blend of duty and defiance that defines Venezuela’s leadership.
His call for war reflects deep anti-imperialist roots, shaped by Latin America’s history of U.S. interventions.
Background: U.S. Strikes and Maduro’s Reported Capture
The video follows U.S. airstrikes on January 3, 2026, targeting military sites in Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, and Aragua.
Explosions at Fort Tiuna and La Carlota airport caused blackouts and chaos. Trump claimed the strikes captured Maduro and his wife, but Maduro denied this in an address, declaring emergency and mobilising forces.
Maduro accused the U.S. of 25 weeks of aggression in 2025, likely blockades. Street fighting in Caracas suggests clashes, with unconfirmed U.S. troop landings.
This escalation follows Trump’s 2025 re-election threats against Maduro for alleged drug ties.
Venezuela’s response includes activating defences, with Padrino’s message part of rallying efforts. The strikes hit a nation in crisis, with 80 percent in poverty and 7 million fled since 2014.
Regional and Global Fallout: Condemnation and Economic Ripples
Brazil’s President Lula condemned the strikes as crossing “an unacceptable line,” calling for a summit. Colombia’s Petro slammed “bombing Caracas,” while Mexico urged calm.
Latin America’s outcry highlights anti-US sentiments, fearing instability.
Russia and China backed Maduro, vowing aid. The UN warned of humanitarian woes. Oil prices jumped 5 percent, hitting importers like South Africa with higher fuel costs.
For SA, with BRICS ties, this tests neutral stances. Our call for UNSC meetings shows commitment to peace.
Path Ahead: Escalation Risks and De-Escalation Hopes
With Maduro defiant and Trump firm, escalation looms. Maduro’s emergency allows curfews and military moves, potentially drawing allies. Trump may push more strikes if goals unmet.
Mediation calls grow – Lula’s summit could de-escalate. The UN and OAS urge restraint.
For 2026, this could redefine US-Latin relations, risking proxy war.
Venezuelans hope for peace, but mobilisation signals uncertainty. In a connected world, this affects all – from energy to migration – calling for wisdom over force.
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