Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro says he is prepared to declare a state of emergency over what he calls US “aggression,” following a series of deadly US strikes on boats Washington claimed were involved in drug trafficking.

In a televised address Monday, Maduro said consultations had begun to invoke constitutional emergency powers “to protect our people, our peace, and our stability if Venezuela were attacked by the American empire.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez added that Maduro has already signed a decree granting him special powers over defense, security, public services, and the oil industry in case of further escalation.

The remarks come after US President Donald Trump ordered the largest naval deployment in the Caribbean in years, sending eight warships, a nuclear submarine, and F-35 fighters to waters off Venezuela. US forces have bombed at least three small boats, killing 17 Venezuelans, with Washington insisting the vessels were engaged in narcotics trafficking.

Caracas rejects the US claims, pointing to UN data showing Venezuela is not a major source of cocaine bound for the United States. Maduro accused Washington of waging an “undeclared war,” while UN experts and international scholars have condemned the US strikes as potential extrajudicial killings.

NBC News has reported that the White House is considering plans to expand air raids inside Venezuela. Trump has also threatened Venezuela with an “incalculable price” if it does not accept deported migrants, including those he labeled “prisoners” and “people from mental institutions.”

Under Venezuela’s constitution, the emergency decree would last 90 days, with the possibility of renewal.