Venezuelan President Maduro addressed thousands of supporters during a large march in Caracas, vowing that Venezuela is ready to defend itself against US “aggression.” Waving flags and chanting, the crowd commemorated a historic battle while rallying behind Maduro’s message — that Caracas is prepared to “break the teeth of the North American empire” if necessary. The display marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric as tensions with Washington rise over Venezuelan sovereignty and regional influence.