Venezuela accuses the US of preparing to launch a war.

According to THX, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez warned on March 11 that the United States is creating the legal basis to launch a war against Venezuela and other countries around the world.

In a television interview, Ms. Rodriguez stated that the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama was seeking to persuade Congress to support attacks on any country that "does not serve American interests."

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez. (Source: Reuters)

According to Rodriguez, the White House's recent request to Congress for greater powers to hunt down the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group in any region of the world would "leave the door open" for a military operation in Venezuela or any other country.

Ms. Rodriguez also urged Venezuelans to prepare for the possibility of the United States imposing a trade, financial, and economic embargo on the South American nation, similar to the embargo Washington has imposed on Cuba for over 50 years.

On the same day, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on the entire nation to unite and be ready to confront any act of aggression by the United States.

He also requested that the Venezuelan National Assembly grant him the authority to govern by decree for six months so that his government could respond quickly to any threats.

According to VNA