Venezuela’s Machado Declares Country “Invaded” During Nobel Acceptance

Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader from Venezuela, has stated that her nation has already been invaded. Speaking at a news conference in Oslo, she highlighted the presence of foreign agents and criminal organizations operating within Venezuela as evidence of this “invasion.”

This assertion comes at a precarious time as the U.S. intensifies its push against the Venezuelan government, having just seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast. Machado’s comments underscore the ongoing geopolitical struggle in Latin America and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Why It Matters

The situation in Venezuela remains critical, with Machado’s remarks emphasizing the extent of foreign influence and criminal activity within the country. Her stance indicates a fracturing of national sovereignty, posing questions about regional stability and U.S. involvement as the country grapples with severe political and economic crises.

Key Developments

• Maria Corina Machado labeled Venezuela as “already invaded” due to the presence of foreign agents and criminal gangs.
• She pointed out that various groups, including Iranian agents and Colombian guerrillas, play roles in undermining security.
• The U.S. government has ramped up military operations in the region, targeting suspected drug-smuggling activities.
• Machado returned to public life in Oslo to accept the Nobel Prize, which was awarded in her absence.
• Her prize acceptance was marked by a dedication to U.S. President Donald Trump, aligning her with his administration’s tough stance against Venezuela.

Full Report

Machado’s Statements in Oslo

During her first public appearance after receiving the Nobel Prize, Maria Corina Machado expressed grave concerns about her homeland. “Venezuela has already been invaded,” she said, citing the presence of Russian and Iranian operatives, as well as terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. She characterized these groups as working in tandem with the Venezuelan regime, transforming the country into a “criminal hub of the Americas.”

Criminal Activities Identified

Machado detailed the pervasive issues stemming from criminal elements, indicating that they have not only disrupted national governance but also engaged in human and drug trafficking and arms dealing. She noted that over 60% of the population is affected by these networks, which operate with alarming freedom.

Highlighting the profits from these illicit activities, she called for decisive action to dismantle these networks and curb their influence, declaring the need to sever financial flows tied to drug and human trafficking.

U.S. Military Actions

The remarks come amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including recent strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking. This escalation marks a critical juncture in U.S.-Venezuelan relations and reflects a significant push by the Trump administration to exert pressure on the Caracas government.

Nobel Prize Acceptance

Machado’s journey to accept the Nobel Peace Prize was fraught with uncertainty, leading to her daughter receiving the award on her behalf. Upon her arrival in Oslo, she dedicated part of her recognition to President Trump’s tough position against the Maduro government, placing her firmly in alignment with U.S. foreign policy hawks.

Context & Previous Events

Machado recently became a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics following her recognition as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her stance aligns with a broader narrative concerning the Venezuelan government’s alleged connections to organized crime and its impact on both national security and U.S. interests.