Venezuela's Maduro Threatens to 'Smash the Teeth' of U.S.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has threatened the United States with military action. He vowed to "smash the teeth" of what he called the "North American empire." The threat follows the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker. The ship was carrying Venezuelan crude oil near the coast of Venezuela. The U.S. government said the cargo violated sanctions. In a televised address, Maduro sang and danced before issuing the threat. He said Venezuela would defend itself "with whatever means necessary." The incident marks a major escalation in tensions between the two nations. The U.S. has not yet publicly responded to Maduro's latest statements. Long-standing sanctions aim to pressure Maduro's government amid a political and economic crisis in Venezuela.