US President Donald Trump wants to turn Venezuela into a 'colony' of the US, Venezuela's attorney general has told BBC's Newshour. Tarek William Saab said on Sunday that calls for a regime change in Venezuela were a front to seize his country's natural resources, including reserves of gold, oil, and copper. A close ally of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, Saab stated there was 'no doubt' the US was attempting to overthrow the Venezuelan government, labeling it as a continuation of many 'failed' operations.

The US is among many nations that do not recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader after the last election in 2024 was deemed neither free nor fair. Trump has raised the possibility of 'land action' in Venezuela, stating the US is 'looking at land now' following military operations at sea against drug traffickers. Saab responded to these threats, indicating that Venezuela is 'prepared' for potential invasions, although remains open to resuming dialogue with the US.

The US has accelerated military presence in the Caribbean, raising concerns about underlying motives to intimidate Maduro's government. Saab criticized these military maneuvers as provocations, alleging that mercenary actions linked to US intelligence are underway. He emphasized Venezuela's readiness to defend its sovereignty against external aggressions.