STORY: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro called his country "invincible" during his televised program on Monday (November 24), as the United States ratcheted up pressure on his government with new terrorism designations and a military deployment in the Caribbean.

"Whatever they do, however they do it, wherever they do it, they will not be able to defeat Venezuela. We are invincible," Maduro told an applauding audience during his TV show.

The remarks came on the same day the U.S. Treasury Department designated the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organization for its alleged role in importing illegal drugs into the United States.

The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the cartel—claims the socialist leader has repeatedly denied.

The move has raised concerns about potential justification for military action. The designation comes amid a massive U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean region.

Maduro's government has also threatened international airlines, ordering them to resume flights to Venezuela within 48 hours or risk losing clearance, according to the International Air Transport Association. Several carriers recently suspended service after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuelan airspace.

During his broadcast, Maduro issued a veiled warning to Transportation Minister Ramon Velazquez about the airline suspensions, saying "there are laws for those who cross the lines."

Maduro and his government have consistently denied involvement in criminal activities and accused Washington of seeking regime change to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, SPEAKING DURING HIS TV SHOW

SHOWS: CARACAS, VENEZUELA (NOVEMBER 24, 2025) (VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT TV - Access all)

1. VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, GREETING PEOPLE DURING HIS TV SHOW

2. MADURO SPEAKING DURING HIS TV SHOW (NOT A SOUNDBITE)

3. PEOPLE APPLAUDING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELA'S PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, SAYING (SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAYS VARIOUS OF PEOPLE APPLAUDING AND MADURO SPEAKING):

"Whatever they do, however they do it, wherever they do it, they will not be able to defeat Venezuela. We are invincible. Whatever they do, they have not been able to defeat our homeland, and they never will. They can make faces, they can say this and that. We are shielded to guarantee what we guarantee: Bolivar's dream, peace. Peace will be my haven, my greatest desire, my hope. I say it is our victory, and peace will continue to be our victory, achieved through our own efforts."

5. ATTENDEES OF THE TV SHOW LISTENING TO MADURO

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELA'S PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, SAYING (SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAYS VARIOUS OF MADURO SPEAKING):

"If I can tell you here between us, there are laws for those who cross the line; whoever understands, understands. Minister Velazquez (Transportation Minister Ramon Velazquez), you already know this is directed at you, Minister of Transportation. Whoever crosses the line, the law… the law makes things clear.” (Editor's note: In reference to the airlines that suspended flights to Venezuela.)

7. MADURO SPEAKING DURING HIS TV SHOW (NOT A SOUNDBITE)

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELA'S PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, SAYING (SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAYS VARIOUS OF MADURO SPEAKING):

"To those who stand with Venezuela authentically and courageously, I thank you, and I’m grateful for your good wishes, because they reflect the growing, fervent love that exists around the world for Venezuela. It’s impressive how solidarity movements are rising everywhere in support of the victorious efforts of the indestructible people of Venezuela in the face of these threats, psychological warfare, political warfare, and diplomatic warfare.”

9. MADURO SPEAKING DURING HIS TV SHOW

10. MADURO SPEAKING AND PEOPLE APPLAUDING

11. VARIOUS OF MADURO IN VIDEO CALL DURING HIS TV SHOW

12. MADURO POSING FOR PHOTO WITH PEOPLE