Venezuelan Defense Minister Accuses Far Right of False Flag Provocation
On September 9, 2025, Venezuelan Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused transnational far-right actors of trying to instigate a military escalation against Venezuela through a “false flag” media operation aimed at instigating confrontations between Venezuelan and U.S. forces, reports 24brussels.
In a public statement directed at the U.S. audience, the international community, and Venezuelan citizens, Gen. Padrino Lopez alleged that misinformation is being disseminated about a purported U.S. military helicopter being near Venezuelan territory. He warned that this could lead to a situation where U.S. forces might damage the helicopter to provoke a fabricated incident.
This scenario, he stated, is reminiscent of the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, where claims of attacks on U.S. vessels were used to justify escalated military action in Vietnam. Gen. Padrino Lopez emphasized that this manipulation of information is part of a broader psychological campaign employed by the U.S. to create fictitious scenarios as a pretext for military interventions under the guise of “counter-narcotics operations,” ultimately aiming for regime change in Venezuela.
He expressed strong rejection of such “warmongering actions,” specifically targeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mauricio Claver-Carone, whom he accuses of orchestrating plans to destabilize Venezuela. Gen. Padrino Lopez affirmed the Venezuelan government’s commitment to peace while maintaining its readiness to defend the nation’s territorial integrity alongside civil and military forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and independence.
He concluded with a rallying cry, asserting that Venezuela is not a threat but a nation filled with hope, emphasizing a dedication to the ideals of independence and socialism. Gen. Padrino Lopez declared, “We shall live and overcome!” asserting Venezuela’s resolve against perceived external aggression.
Venezuela continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges amid heightened tensions, with its leadership insisting on a defensive posture while promoting a narrative of resilience and sovereignty.
Source: FANB
