The move is considered the latest escalation of tensions in US-Venezuela relations.
On September 29, Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez said that the decree signed by Mr. Putin allowed the mobilization of armed forces nationwide, and gave the army control over public services and the oil and gas industry - the economic pillar of Venezuela. These rights will be valid for 90 days and may be extended by 90 days according to the constitution.
The decree was issued in the context of the US deploying a fleet of warships in the Caribbean, citing the need to "anti-drug smuggling". Washington has recently attacked and sank several ships allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela, killing many people - a move that has dragged controversy over legality.
Vice President Rodriguez accused: "What the US government and Secretary Marco Rubio are doing to Venezuela is a threat." She said the Venezuelan army has conducted drills with volunteer militia, training people on how to use weapons in case of "invasion" from the US.
While publicly accusing the US of plotting to collapse the legitimate government, Caracas has been Secretly trying to ease tensions. According to NBC News, Mr. Putin sent a letter to US President Donald Trump earlier this month, suggesting a direct dialogue and affirming his desire for the relationship between the two countries to become historic and peaceful.
However, Pentagon sources said the US military is developing a plan to attack targets suspected of being involved in drug smuggling inside Venezuela.
Analysts say that Mr. Putin's new decree shows that the Caracas government is entering a "general mobilization" phase, preparing a response scenario if the US military intervention scenario actually occurs. This is a strong signal, but also shows Venezuela's growing concern about pressure from Washington.
