Nicolas Maduro Claims Venezuela Is 'Standing On The Front Lines' Against 'Nazi-Extremists' Following U.S: Attack On Vessel That Killed 11

Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro said the regime he leads is "standing on the front lines" against "Nazi extremist movements" coming from the north, a reference to escalating tensions with the United States.

"It's a Nazi extremist movement seeking to undermine peace in South America. They intend to continue attacking people's rights around the world," Maduro said.

He went on to say that Venezuela "was attacked by Nazis between 1942 and 1944 in the Caribbean." "Under another narrative, we were attacked by the British empire: they sent 21 ships and our people, who didn't have any resources, stood its ground with sticks, stones, knives, machetes, and we defeated them," he added. "We're not stupid, nor we will ever be."

In another passage of the allocution, Maduro aid he will begin "mobilizing" civilian militias. The call takes place on Friday, with Maduro saying he expects over 8 million people to join after "joining the national defense system." He added that the "powerful base," comprised of some 4.5 million who have been "trained for years" will be the cornerstone of the mobilization.

"To all Venezuelans, entire families to signed up across the country: on Friday, September 5, you'll be called up throughout the day," Maduro added. "We're facing extremist movements from the north, Nazi and extremist, seeking to undermine peace in South America, the Caribbean. They want to keep attacking people's rights across the world."

Tensions continued to escalate on Thursday night after two Venezuelan jets flew near a U.S. Navy ship, a move the Pentagon called "highly provocative" and "designated to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations."

"The cartel running Venezuela is strongly advised not to pursue any further effort to obstruct, deter or interfere with counter-narcotics and counter-terror operations carried out by the U.S. military," the department added.

The Trump administration has warned it will continue carrying out strikes in the region, claiming to tackle drug-trafficking in the region. It is also reportedly deploying 10 fighter jets to a base in Puerto Rico to conduct operations against drug cartels in the region. Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reported that the jets should arrive in the area by late next week.