Top Venezuelan Official Issues Threat To U.S.: 'We'll Eat Them Alive'

Top Venezuelan official Diosdado Cabello made a new threat to the U.S. as tensions between the countries remain high, with Washington deploying 10,000 troops to the Caribbean.

"They have no idea who they're facing, we'll eat them alive," said Minister of Citizen Safety and Peace, Diosdado Cabello.

Speaking at an event after checking troops and defense systems in different states, Cabello struck a defiant tone when addressing the tensions: "How much did it cost to the Spaniards taking the Caracas valley when facing Guaicapuro? 70 years! 70 years of fighting against our native people, who answered with body, soul, bravery and dignity," he added.

Cabello went on to say that even if the U.S. invades the country, "those who set foot in our land must know that we will kick you out."

In this context, the U.S. continues to increase its presence in the region, now seeking to install military equipment in Grenada, a country 100 miles from Venezuela.

The country's government said it is "carefully reviewing" the request. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development confirms that a request for the temporary installation of a radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport was received from the Government of the United States of America," the government said in a statement. It added that "any decisions will be made only after all technical and legal assessments are completed."

It is the latest development in the Trump administration's escalation in the Caribbean. Several reports throughout the week have detailed other moves, including that there are now 10,000 troops deployed in the region. They are in Puerto Rico and aboard eight surface warships and a submarine.

Forces have been conducting drills and the U.S. has struck at least four vessels officials claim were carrying drugs that were ultimately set to reach the U.S.

The U.S. has also reportedly moved several military helicopters off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago.

Citing specialized outlets and forum, Venezuelan outlet El Nacional noted that at least four special ops helicopters and three Black Hawks have been spotted. It added that they could be aboard the Ocean Trader, the converted cargo vessel designed to serve as a special operations mothership.

Originally launched as a commercial roll-on/roll-off cargo ship in 2010, the vessel was later converted under a $73 million U.S. Navy contract to support a wide range of special operations missions. The Ocean Trader is capable of hosting up to 159 special operations forces in addition to its 50-member crew, operating at sea for as long as 45 days before resupply.