Islam Times - Maduro Announces Mobilization to Counter any 'Possible' US Provocation

Islam Times - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday ordered the mobilization of army units against the backdrop of information indicating that Colombia and the US Southern Command were preparing for provocative actions on the border with his country.

"I have information that the Colombian authorities and the US military's southern command are preparing another provocation on the border between Venezuela and Colombia. All members of the Bolivarian armed forces should be on standby," Maduro said during a meeting with transport workers on Twitter.

The president said the provocations on the border with his country were intended to draw attention from protests in Colombia.

Since January, Venezuela has been plagued by a severe political crisis following the announcement by the country's parliament speaker, Juan Guaido, as interim president.

The United States announced its recognition of Guaido, while the latter announced that he is the legitimate president of the country, describing the speaker of the parliament and the opposition "puppet in the hands of the United States."

Russia, China, Turkey and a number of other countries backed Maduro as the country's legitimate president.