Sword-waving Maduro rails at ‘imperialist aggression’

Venezuela leader's rant occurs during public spat with Trump

- MAIRA BUTT

President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to defend “every inch” of Venezuela from “imperialist threat or aggression” amid reports of a new phase of US operations in international waters.

At a ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the presentation of the Sword of Peru to regional independence hero and Venezuelan Simon Bolivar, Mr Maduro brandished the historical weapon as he paid tribute to the victory against Spanish colonial rule.

“We must be ready to defend every inch of this blessed land from imperialist threat or aggression, no matter where it comes from,” he said at the event held before thousands in Caracas. “The homeland is sacred, the homeland must be respected.”

Throughout the address, he warned of “new imperial threats of the international far right” and said “failure is not an option”.