Venezuela declares readiness for 'absolute war' with the United States

"We are ready for war today and there is no arrogance in talking about it. If America wants it, absolute war will unite all our people to defend our homeland and our world," Mr. Cabello said.

Venezuelan flag. Photo: Flickr

Mr. Cabello added that if the US Marines invaded Venezuela, it would be a problem for them to return home alive.

In Venezuela, on January 21, massive protests began against the incumbent president, Nicolas Maduro. On January 23, National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself interim head of state for the duration of this government.

The United States and several other countries have declared their recognition of Mr. Guaido. Russia supports Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president.

Britain, Germany, France and Spain have announced their intention to recognize Guaido as the country's interim president if no new elections are announced in Venezuela within eight days.

To date, in addition to the United States, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Georgia, Albania and a number of other countries also recognize Mr. Guaido as head of state.

On January 28, the United States announced sanctions against Venezuelan company PSVSA, blocking $7 billion in assets and rights of the company within its jurisdiction, and prohibiting transactions with them.

The US State Department also said Washington had provided Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's opposition congress, with access to Venezuelan government accounts in US banks.