Maduro ready to declare state of emergency

VENEZUELAN President Nicolas Maduro said this week he is ready to declare a state of emergency over the threat of US "aggression," following a spate of deadly US strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats.

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"Today the consultation process began... to declare a state of emergency in accordance with the constitution and protect our people, our peace, and our stability if Venezuela were attacked by the American empire, attacked militarily," Maduro said in a televised address.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told foreign diplomats that Maduro had signed a decree giving himself "special powers" as head of state to act in matters of defence and security in the event the US "dares to attack our homeland."